The World Junior Summer Showcase kicked off with Team USA split-squad games against Finland and Sweden, giving coach David Carle a chance to evaluate over 40 players vying for a spot on the 25-man roster for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. Despite the summer hockey setting, both games were intense with the USA White team defeating Finland 3-2 and the USA Blue team dominating Sweden 7-2.
In the USA White vs. Finland game, Cole Hutson and Quentin Musty were standouts, while LJ Mooney and Carsen Musser also showed promise. On the Finnish side, Joona Saarelainen and Heikki Ruohonen impressed, while Visa Vedenpaa held his own in goal. In the USA Blue vs. Sweden game, Zeev Buium, Gabe Perreault, and Ryan Leonard showcased their skills, with Buium particularly standing out for his offensive contributions and physical play.
The showcase provided an opportunity for returning players to assert themselves, with Max Plante, Brandon Svoboda, and Brodie Ziemer all making an impact for the USA Blue team. Gabe Perreault’s hockey IQ and playmaking abilities were on display with two goals, while Ryan Leonard brought his trademark physicality to the game.
Overall, the showcase highlighted the depth and talent within the Team USA roster as they prepare for the upcoming World Junior Championship. With impressive performances from both new and returning players, the coaching staff will have some tough decisions to make as they finalize the roster for the tournament in December. FloHockey will continue to provide coverage and scouting reports from the premier prospect event of the summer.
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