First 17 players named to U.S. Men’s National Team for IIHF Worlds

By @MichaelCaples –

USA Hockey has announced the first 17 players named to the U.S. Men’s National Team roster for the upcoming IIHF World Championship.

The U.S. roster, as it stands right now, features four Michigan natives and 11 first-round NHL Draft picks.

Twelve of the players (11 full-time) have been a part of USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program in Plymouth/Ann Arbor, as well.

We’re excited about our team and it’s fun to hear the passion our players have when I’ve talked to them about representing our country,” said Chris Drury, general manager of the 2019 U.S. Men’s National Team. “We have one objective and that is to come home with the gold medal.”

As previously announced, Detroit Red Wings head coach and Michigan native Jeff Blashill is once again coaching the squad; he’s joined by fellow Michigan native and Red Wings assistant coach Dan Bylsma.

Team USA will play a pre-tournament game against Germany on May 7, and officially start the tournament on May 10 against Slovakia.

More players will be added to the roster as USA Hockey confirms attendance.

Michigan names on the list:

Alex DeBrincat (Farmington Hills native)

Thatcher Demko (NTDP alum)

Luke Glendening (Grand Rapids native, Michigan alum, Detroit Red Wings forward)

Alec Martinez (Rochester native)

Cory Schneider (NTDP alum)

Patrick Kane (NTDP, Honeybaked alum)

Ryan Suter (NTDP alum)

Jack Eichel (NTDP alum)

James van Riemsdyk (NTDP alum)

Dylan Larkin (Waterford native, NTDP and Michigan alum, Detroit Red Wings forward)

Clayton Keller (NTDP alum)

Brady Skjei (NTDP alum)

Quinn Hughes (NTDP, Michigan alum)

Frank Vatrano (NTDP alum)

Colin White (NTDP alum)