Minnesota’s Rising Stars Lead Team USA
The 2026 Hlinka/Gretzky Cup roster for Team USA reveals a pronounced Minnesota influence, with nine of the seventeen selected skaters hailing from the state and accounting for more than a third of the lineup. This concentration underscores the region’s reputation as a breeding ground for elite junior talent and sets the stage for a campaign aimed at preserving the 2025 championship.
At the center of the excitement is Joey Cullen, a 2010‑born forward who earned the distinction of being the youngest player ever to make the U.S. roster and the first under‑age competitor to do so. Cullen opened the tournament with a decisive goal against Czechia, helping the Americans secure a 6‑4 victory and signaling the arrival of a new offensive catalyst.
Minnesota’s footprint extends beyond Cullen. Forwards Gunnar Conboy, Brooks DeMars, Nash Roed and Ryland Rooney, together with defensemen Rylan Hanson and Beck Thoreson, round out a contingent that also includes Beck Thoreson and Rylan Hanson. The state’s representation was evident during the 36‑player tryout camp, where twelve Minnesotans comprised roughly one‑third of the pool before the final cut, reflecting both depth and breadth of talent.
The squad will test its mettle in Edmonton, Alberta, where the tournament will unfold against a field of teams from ten U.S. states and international opponents. Building on a 2025 championship that featured a 5‑3 win over Sweden, the Americans are poised to defend their title, with coaches emphasizing the offensive spark provided by Conboy and the defensive reliability of Thoreson.
Beyond the immediate competition, the selections reflect a broader pipeline of talent emerging from Minnesota’s high school, junior and NTDP programs. The performance of these players will not only shape the current roster but also set the stage for upcoming national events, including the World Juniors later this year, where the next generation of American hockey talent will be evaluated.