Carey Terrance, Gavin Hayes, & Sam Hillebrandt have all made the final cut for USA's 2024 World Junior roster.
The United States only invited three OHL players to their World Junior selection camp in Plymouth, Michigan. Today, their final roster was released, and all three players made the final roster.
Carey Terrance (ER), Gavin Hayes (FLNT), & Sam Hillebrandt (BAR) are all headed to Sweden to represent the United States at the 2024 World Juniors.
The United States are highly regarded as the best team "on paper" in this tournament, with an abundance of high NHL draft picks, including Terrance and Hayes. Sam Hillebrandt is one of just two undrafted players on this roster, both eligible in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Carey Terrance makes this final roster after playing a big role at the U-18's for the United States. The Anaheim Ducks second round pick has played a big role for Erie this year, though they haven't found much success in the win column.
Terrance will have a huge opportunity at this tournament to play with the other highly-talented players on this roster, and excel his own offensive game on the international stage.
Gavin Hayes — the Flint Firebirds sharpshooter — will be another goal-scoring asset to this roster. Hayes has an undeniable ability to rip the puck from just about anywhere in the offensive zone. The combination of his quick release and shot power is difficult to stop.
The Chicago Blackhawks prospect has been a significant part of Flint's top-heavy offence, that doesn't have much depth. He will likely be able to add some secondary-scoring to this team, and help them compete for a gold medal.
Sam Hillebrandt was playing Junior C last season. Yes, that's right. The Barrie Colts goaltender made USA's World Junior with his hot start this season. Hillebrandt has handled a tremendous amount of pressure, becoming the Colts starting goaltender alongside Ben West, and succeeding.
Hillebrandt is eligible for the 2024 NHL Draft, and though he will likely be this team's third-string netminder, this will surely help his draft stock.
This is a phenomenal story that has brought Hillebrandt from the PJHL (Junior C in Ontario), to the World Juniors in less than a year.