USA Hockey's final evaluation camp is set to take place from March 27 to March 30 in Lake Placid, including a game against Czechia before the World Championships open April 3.
USA Hockey kicks off their final evaluation camp in Lake Placid this week with roster spots on the line for the 2024 IIHF World Championships in Utica, New York. Here's a look at some of the roster spots up for grabs.
Who is USA's third goalie?
Nicole Hensley and Aerin Frankel are back as USA's tandem in net, although between those two, it's unclear who USA's starter will be. Four other goalies will compete for a single spot as USA's third goalie after the team chose not to bring back Abbey Levy, who is playing this season for PWHL New York. USA appears to use the spot to audition goaltenders they believe could be future starters, and as soon as they believe a player doesn't have a chance for that role, they move on to the next. With that in mind, while JoJo Chobak and Callie Shanahan are excellent netminders, the real fight for USA's third spot in net is likely between Gwyneth Philips and Annelies Bergmann. Philips was the 2023 NCAA Goaltender of the Year and was again a top three finalist for the award this year. Backstopping Northeastern, she put up eye popping career numbers and will be a goalie PWHL teams look to in solidifying their crease this offseason. She could steal that spot and prove herself as a possible future starter for USA. If it's not Philips, USA could choose to bring 2005 born netminder Annelies Bergmann who was spectacular as an NCAA rookie backstopping Cornell to a national championship tournament appearance. If they choose Bergmann, it's to give her the experience with a target set on the future.
Holes To Fill Up Front
Gone are Amanda Keller, Becca Gilmore, and Abby Roque from last year's national team roster. One of those spots will be claimed by the return of Kendall Coyne Schofield, but two remain up for grabs. Assuming the rest of USA's roster remains the same, it would be surprising to see the NCAA's leading scorer, Kirsten Simms, omitted from USA's roster. She was spectacular for USA at the Collegiate Select Series and Rivalry Series this year. While she didn't get a great look in the Rivalry Series, the play of Laila Edwards in recent months has been inspired. She's carried Wisconsin on many nights, and speaking of Knight(s), Edwards is the size and poise with the puck USA needs to bring in to eventually replace Hilary Knight. Edwards adds a skill set and element of her game that few in USA Hockey's system bring. The other candidate to bring some power to USA's lineup is Grace Zumwinkle, who playing a physical game, including fearlessly driving the net, she could provide punch to a depth line with the ability to move up the lineup. USA truly has no shortage of options, as they could just as easily choose NCAA Rookie of the Year Joy Dunne, Patty Kazmaier finalists Izzy Daniel or Casey O'Brien, pro Jesse Compher, or NCAA stars Elle Hartje and Dominique Petrie. All bring their own benefits for the roster, and all can play at this level. If there are any players who could be bumped, Lacey Eden and Britta Curl are the main candidates, although Curl's style might play better into USA's depth needs than others.
Who takes Stecklein's spot?
Almost all of USA's depth comes from the NCAA when it comes to defenders. Megan Keller and Savannah Harmon will certainly hold their spots with USA, but it's Caroline Harvey, Cayla Barnes, Hayley Winn, and Rory Guilday who will make up the bulk of USA back end. They have at least one spot available on the back end, with Ally Simpson as the front runner to claim the role. Youngster Sydney Morrow was spectacular in the NCAA this season with Colgate and could be another option, but USA also has Anna Wilgren and Sydney Bard who once drafted will find their way to the PWHL next season, and younger NCAA defenders like Emma Peschel and Grace Dwyer. Almost none of the defenders in camp would be a complete surprise for USA.
USA Hockey's final evaluation camp runs from March 27-30 in Lake Placid, concluding with a pre-tournament game March 30 at 7 p.m. ET at the Lake Placid Olympic Center against Czechia. USA will practice in Lake Placid with their finalized roster on April 1 before heading to Utica.