U.S. Youth Teams Gear Up for Amsterdam Festival
The United States U‑16 and U‑18 Women’s National Teams have revealed their rosters for the World Youth Hockey Festival in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, scheduled for August 14‑25. The announcement comes as the squads prepare for a series of training sessions, warm‑up matches and specialized coaching that will culminate in competitive games against European clubs and national sides.
Both age groups will open their tournament run on August 17 with a match against Dutch side Den Bosch, followed by a clash with Gooische on August 18. The schedule also includes opportunities to watch World Cup fixtures, adding a developmental dimension to the experience.
Coaching and Support Staff
The teams will be guided on the bench by head coaches Danielle Baumgardner and Torsten Bartel, with Grant Fulton serving as assistant coach. Athletic trainer Cruz Castillo and team managers Mary Beth Zahnleuter and Rosita Torres‑Ambrogi round out the support crew, ensuring that players have the resources they need both on and off the ice.
Roster composition reflects a blend of emerging talent and seasoned juniors. The U‑16 squad draws players from states such as New Jersey, Maryland, Michigan and Pennsylvania, while the U‑18 lineup includes athletes from Texas, California, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Many of these athletes will also compete in the Junior and Senior Nexus Championship in Virginia Beach, Virginia, later in July, adding a domestic showcase before the Amsterdam event.
Beyond the on‑ice action, the festival offers a unique cultural exchange, allowing the young American players to immerse themselves in Dutch hockey traditions while representing their country on an international stage. The U.S. teams hope to translate the experience into continued growth for the sport at home.