Six CHL players named to USA’s 2026 World Juniors preliminary roster

Six CHL players have been named to the USA’s preliminary roster for the 2026 World Juniors in Minneapolis, MN.

Three players from the OHL in Henry Brzustewicz (London), Chase Reid (Soo) and AJ Spellacy (Windsor) are joined by three WHLers in Blake Fiddler (Edmonton), Jacob Kvasnicka and AJ Reyelts (Penticton).

They are part of a 28-man roster named that will convene for a training camp at AMSOIL Arena in Duluth, MN., from Dec. 15-23. The final U.S. roster is expected to be announced by Dec. 24.

“We’re excited about the group of players we’ve named,” said John Vanbiesbrouck, general manager of the 2026 U.S. National Junior Team and also the assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. “It’s always difficult to narrow it down, but we’re set for what we know will be a very competitive camp that will help us get to our final roster.”

The USA are two-time defending World Juniors champions after a 4-3 overtime win over Finland in Ottawa, ON., in January while they beat hosts Sweden 6-2 in 2024. In all, the USA have medalled in eight of the previous 10 tournaments.

The 2026 World Juniors takes place Dec. 26 – Jan. 5.