Will Smith, Ryan Leonard among nine additions to USA’s Men’s World Championship roster

USA Hockey has announced the addition of nine players to its Men’s World Hockey Championship roster, bringing a mix of young college stars and veteran NHLers alike.

Among them are three players who helped the USA win gold at the 2024 World Junior Championship – forwards Will Smith, Ryan Leonard, and goaltender Trey Augustine. Smith, a San Jose Sharks prospect, recently finished as the top scorer in the NCAA but wasn’t a finalist for the Hobey Baker as the top male player in college hockey. Leonard, meanwhile, is the top prospect in the Washington Capitals system, while Augustine is considered to be one of the best young goaltenders outside the NHL.

On the veteran side, St. Louis Blues forward Kevin Hayes represented the United States at the 2014 and 2017 World Championships. Brock Nelson has participated in the event four times, winning bronze back in 2015. Jeff Petry has three tournament appearances to his credit, taking home bronze in 2013. Mikey Eyssimont made his tournament debut last season, registering a goal and three points.

Matthew Kessel and Michael Kesselring have never represented USA Hockey in international competition.

Additionally, Dylan Larkin will not participate due to injury.

The Americans lost in the bronze medal game to Latvia last year, but enter the 2024 edition with one of the strongest rosters of any team. The nine new additions will join a group that has already confirmed Brady Tkachuk, Cole Caufield, Matt Boldy, Jake Sanderson, Zach Werenski and Trevor Zegras, among others. With 22 players on the roster, they have room to add two more, including a goaltender.

USA is training in Bratislava and will participate in their lone pre-tournament game against Slovakia on Tuesday. They’ll then head to Ostrava on Wednesday to begin final preparations for the World Championship, which is set to begin Friday, May 10 against Sweden.