PLYMOUTH, Mich. — The U.S. Junior National Team is on track to become the first team in history to win back-to-back World Junior Championships.
The topic was a hot topic for U.S. players and coach David Karl at the World Junior Summer Showcase this week at USA Hockey Arena.
“Nobody’s ever done it before, so it would mean a lot to the world if we could be the first team to do it,” New York Rangers forward Gabe Perreault said. “I think we’re a good team, so I think we definitely have a chance and we’re all excited about it.”
The United States won the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, defeating Sweden, 6-2, in the gold medal game in Gothenburg, Sweden on Jan. 5. This is the sixth time the team has won the tournament (2021, 2017, 2013, 2010, 2004) and the second time in the past four years.
They will be looking to defend their title at the 2025 World Junior Championships, which will be held in Ottawa from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5, 2025.
The U.S. has finished no better than third twice (2018, 2011) after winning gold the year before.
“[Repeating] “USA Hockey has had a great trajectory in this event over the last 20 years. We talked a lot about it last year being the 20th anniversary of our first gold medal. We’ve won it five times since then, six times total. I always see this as an opportunity to plant our flag and show that we believe we are the best hockey nation in the world. That’s part of our goal.” [our motivation].
“It’s hard to win the first time, but it’s even harder to win the second time.”
The U.S. won seven straight games and outscored its opponents 45-15 to win the 2024 World Junior Championship. The U.S. became just the third team to finish the tournament undefeated (2004, 2017) and it was the 15th time the U.S. has taken home a medal at the World Junior Championships.
“I think it would be pretty special to win back-to-back games,” Washington Capitals forward Ryan Leonard said. “We’ve talked about it a lot the last two days. Obviously, we want to make history and play as memorable a game as we can.”
“If that happens, we’ll be so grateful and it will be a moment we’ll never forget.”
Karl has certainly been a strong performer off the bench over the past year, as the 34-year-old won his second NCAA national championship with the University of Denver in April, three months after winning his first WJC title.
Denver defenseman Zeev Bouium (Minnesota Wild) is one of eight players returning to represent the USA in the Summer Showcase. The 18-year-old Bouium is enjoying the journey with Karl as his mentor.
“He’s a great coach,” Buium said. “He knows how to balance time on and off the ice. He talks to his guys and tries to get to know them. On the ice he’s very well respected and everyone listens to what he has to say. He’s the smartest coach I’ve ever met and I love playing for him.”
John Vanbiesbrouck, who has served as the U.S. national team general manager for seven consecutive years, was firm in his decision to bring Karl back for a second consecutive season.
“David is a winner and probably one of the best coaches, if not one of the best coaches in college hockey,” Vanbiesbrouck said. “I know everyone is speculating on what his path will be after college, but for us, it’s about his leadership and consistency and winning gold again. He pointed out the fact that no one has won back-to-back championships, so I said, ‘Yeah, you can be the first one.’
In addition to Bouheim, Perreault and Leonard, the roster also includes returning goalies Trey Augustin (Detroit Red Wings) and Sam Hillebrandt (2025 draft-eligible), defenseman Drew Fortescue (New York Rangers) and forwards Oliver Moore (Chicago Blackhawks) and Danny Nelson (New York Islanders).
“I think every group is different,” Karl said. “I’m sure there will be little tweaks and differences, but generally speaking, I think there are a lot of similarities in terms of how we prepare and how we want to play. The strength of our roster is very similar to a year ago and regardless of roster depth, the certain belief that we have and that we need to play to win is non-negotiable in my opinion.”
“We’ll find our strengths and weaknesses and what we need to do as a staff. We’re a competitive group and we want to be a part of something really special. We’re looking forward to building continuity and trust.”
