In an exhilarating announcement out of Colorado Springs, USA Hockey has unveiled the first 18 players who will represent the United States at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship, set to take place from May 9-25 in Herning, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden.

Packed with talent, this powerhouse roster features eight first-round NHL Draft picks and boasts over 4,500 games of NHL experience. Impressively, 16 of these players have previously taken the ice in an IIHF world championship.

A Word from the GM

General Manager Jeff Kealty, who also serves as the assistant GM for the NHL's Nashville Predators, expressed his confidence: "We really like our team. We have a group with significant international experience, and I know our players are excited to represent our country on the world stage and contend for the gold medal."

Training and Tournament Kick-off

The stars of Team USA will kick off their training camp in Düsseldorf, Germany, beginning May 2, culminating in a pre-tournament match against Germany on May 4. The stakes will be high as they open the championship against Denmark on May 9 at 8:20 PM local time, with all USA games airing live on NHL Network.

Team USA's Impressive Track Record

Historically, Team USA has made a mark in the IIHF Men’s World Championships, finishing in the top four in six of the last ten tournaments and securing three bronze medals in 2015, 2018, and 2021.

Roster Breakdown and Key Players

### Roster Overview – The First 18

- **Composition**: 3 goalies, 6 defensemen, and 9 forwards.

- **Average Player Stats**: Height - 6'2", Weight - 200 lbs, Age - 25.

- **Youngest Player**: Hampton Slukynsky, aged 19.

- **Oldest Player**: Brady Skjei, aged 31.

- **NHL Draft Heavyweights**: The roster includes four top-10 NHL Draft picks: Matty Beniers (2nd overall, 2021, Seattle Kraken), Logan Cooley (3rd overall, 2022, Arizona Coyotes), Cutter Gauthier (5th overall, 2022, Anaheim Ducks), and Clayton Keller (7th overall, 2016, Arizona Coyotes).

Experience Matters

### Player Experience Breakdown

- **IIHF Experience**: Eleven players on the roster have previously donned the Team USA jersey at IIHF championships. Big names include Matty Beniers, Conor Garland, and Tage Thompson, among others.

- **Development Program**: Ten players have come through the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, showcasing their talent from an early age.

- **Collective Achievements**: The team boasts an impressive total of 26 medals in IIHF play, including 11 golds! Leading the pack, Tage Thompson and Cutter Gauthier each hold four medals.

Diverse Representation

### State and School Representation

Representatives hail from 13 states across the U.S., including Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Michigan. Additionally, 12 colleges are represented, with the University of Minnesota sending three players to the squad.

With a blend of experience, youth, and unparalleled talent, the 2025 U.S. Men’s National Team is poised to make waves on the world stage. Get ready to cheer as they aim for gold!