Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Carter Sanderson was outstanding for USA Blue against Sweden in the World Junior Summer Showcase on Sunday.

Sanderson scored a hat trick while playing on the second line and made a strong impression on the USA coaching staff. His first goal came from right in front of the net off a great feed from Wyatt Cullen. 

His second goal also came from right in front of the net before scoring his third goal from the left circle. 

Sanderson is riding some serious momentum right now after being one of the standouts at the Penguins' development camp tournament earlier this month. Yes, development camp is mostly glorified practice at the end of the day, but he still played well in the tournament to end it. 

He spent the 2025-26 season with the USHL's Muskegon Lumberjacks after the Penguins selected him in the sixth round of the 2025 NHL Draft. He finished the year with 17 goals and 34 points in 54 games. 

Sanderson is set to play for the WHL's Calgary Hitmen this coming season before going to the University of North Dakota for the 2027-28 season.

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