Carey Terrance, Gavin Hayes, and Sam Hillebrandt have been named to USA's Preliminary World Junior Roster, but no Hunter Brzustewicz or Quentin Musty.
Three OHLers have been named to the United States' Preliminary Roster ahead of the World Juniors; Carey Terrance (ER), Gavin Hayes (FLT), and Sam Hillebrandt (BAR).
Each of these three will be looking to make the World Juniors for the first time in their junior careers. Terrance represented the United States at the Under-18's last spring, and had one of the best performances in the entire tournament.
Terrance has had a terrific season so far for the Erie Otters, being their go-to player in nearly every situation. Selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2nd round, Terrance's confidence seems to have hit a new level this season.
Carey Terrance likely has the best odds of making Team USA out of this group of three.
Gavin Hayes has continued his production rate from last season, as he and Zacharie Giroux have been stellar for the Firebirds. The Chicago Blackhawks prospect will have a lot of competition among this forward group, but the speedy sharpshooter will look to make a statement at camp.
Hayes has 19 goals and 35 points this season for the Flint Firebirds.
Sam Hillebrandt is the only goalie on this list, but the 2024 Draft eligible netminder might have the best story. Hillebrandt is in the midst of his rookie season with the Barrie Colts, as he spent most of last season playing Junior C.
With the loss of Anson Thornton, he has been able to step in and get the job done. Hillebrandt has handled pressure well as a rookie, and is very deserving of this World Junior camp invite.
As impressive as these three invites are, there are always some omissions.
The OHL's top scoring defenceman Hunter Brzustewicz did not earn an invite to USA's camp. Brzustewicz has represented the United States internationally before, and he played for the USNTDP for one season before joining the OHL.
This omission is surprising considering Brzustewicz is a 3rd round NHL Draft pick, and he has been one of the best defenders in the CHL this season.
San Jose Sharks first round pick Quentin Musty was also not invited.
He has been a large part of Sudbury's offensive firepower this season, and he would likely be one of the most offensively-advanced players on this team.
Despite these two significant omissions, Terrance, Hayes, and Hillebrandt will still have the opportunity to represent the OHL on the world stage in less than a month.