Everything we know for Team USA in advance of the 2024 IIHF Under-18 Men's World Championship and NHL draft-eligible prospects to watch
The United States will begin its title defense in the 2024 IIHF Under-18 Men's World Championship on Thursday, April 25. The tournament will run from April 25 to May 5 in Espoo and Vantaa, Finland.
Team USA came back from a two-goal deficit to top Sweden in overtime in the gold-medal game last year. Ryan Leonard potted the golden goal at the 2:20 mark of the extra session.
Since its inception in 1999, the purpose of the international tournament is for the top 18 and under draft-eligible talent in the world to represent their country while also showcasing their abilities one last time to prospective NHL clubs before the draft.
Nick Fohr will serve as head coach for Team USA at the 2024 IIHF Under-18 Men's World Championship. Fohr recently completed his second season as the head coach for the U.S. National Under-18 Team in Plymouth, Michigan.
Here is everything we know as it pertains to Team USA at the 2024 IIHF Under-18 Men's World Championship.
How many times has Team USA won the gold medal at the Under-18 Men's World Championship?
Team USA has captured the gold medal at the Under-18 Men's World Championship a tournament-leading 11 times.
The Americans have won gold in the tournament in 2023, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2006, 2005, and 2002.
In addition to 11 gold medals, Team USA has also won five silver medals and three bronze medals at the international competition.
What is Team USA's schedule for the Under-18 Men's World Championship?
Team USA will kick off the Preliminary Round against Slovakia on Thursday, April 25.
Full Preliminary Round schedule:
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Quarterfinals
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Semifinals
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Medal Games
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How can I watch Team USA in the Under-18 Men's World Championship?
All Team USA games will be exclusively streamed on NHL Network.
What prospects on Team USA should we be watching?
Cole Eiserman, F (U.S. National Under-18 Team)
Eiserman is an elite goal-scorer and was ranked the No. 12 overall North American skater in Central Scouting's final rankings. Dan Marr, the Vice President of Central Scouting, recently projected Eiserman to be a Chris Kreider-type player in the NHL. The 17-year-old was a standout in this tournament last year, compiling nine goals and 11 points. Eiserman needs nine goals to become the all-time leading NTDP scorer. Perhaps a tough ask, but the Boston University commit has risen on the biggest stages before.
Trevor Connelly, F (Tri-City Storm)
Connelly is one of a couple of non-NTDP players skating for Team USA. The Providence commit has had remarkable showings in international play, including at the Hlinka last August, where he finished with five goals and 10 points in five games. Connelly is a highly creative offensive dynamo, and he is a must-watch player any time the puck is on his stick. The 18-year-old was the No. 6 overall North American skater on Central Scouting's final rankings.
James Hagens, F (U.S. National Under-18 Team)
Hagens is already projected to be the top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The Boston College commit has 30 goals and 80 points for the NTDP U-18 squad this season and has a chance to build off last year's showing in this tournament, where he had just one goal and five points in seven games. Hagens seems like a good choice for a breakout candidate.
Cole Hutson, D (U.S. National Under-18 Team)
Like his brother, Lane, Cole Hutson is a highly dynamic defenseman who exudes a ton of offense in his game. He was ranked No. 55 overall in Central Scouting's final rankings, making him a projected second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. However, he has an opportunity to boost his draft stock with a strong showing. Hutson had one goal and 11 assists in this tournament last year.
Teddy Stiga, F (U.S. National Under-18 Team)
Stiga's game has come a long way this year. The Boston College commit has become much more of an offensive threat, potting 30 goals and 68 points in 54 NTDP games. Stiga did not play in this tournament last year and checked in as the No. 44 overall North American skater in Central Scouting's final rankings. With a solid performance, could Stiga be in the conversation as a late first-round pick?