The United States is set to host a decisive selection camp for its under‑18 men’s hockey program, bringing together 36 of the nation’s most promising young talents in St. Paul, Minnesota. The camp serves as the final evaluation stage before the roster is trimmed to the 23 players who will represent the country at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton, Alberta.
Team USA will enter the international tournament as defending champions, facing off against seven other nations: Canada, Czechia, Finland, Germany, Slovakia, Sweden, and Switzerland. The competition promises a rigorous test of skill and depth, and the coaching staff is confident that the camp experience will be instrumental in shaping a competitive lineup.
Coaching Leadership and Support Staff
Head coach Reid Cashman will lead the bench, supported by assistants Todd Knott, Greg Rallo, and Troy Thibodeau. Goaltending development will be overseen by Alex Westlund, while Marc Boxer serves as general manager, coordinating the broader administrative framework.
Beyond the on‑ice personnel, the camp’s support staff includes equipment managers, athletic trainers, team physicians, team managers, and communications coordinators. Their combined expertise ensures that players can focus on performance while every logistical detail is handled professionally.
The selection process also benefits from partnerships with several collegiate and minor‑pro programs. Institutions such as Dartmouth College, the University of Wisconsin, Miami University, the University of Connecticut, Princeton University, the University of Nebraska Omaha, and Sioux Falls Stampede contribute to the developmental pipeline that feeds talent into the national program.
With the camp underway, the final 23‑player roster will be announced in the coming weeks, setting the stage for the defense of the 2025 championship title on home ice in Edmonton. The upcoming tournament promises to showcase the next generation of American hockey talent on an international stage.