USA Hockey's National Team Development Program has announced the addition of three young talents — defensemen Charlie Mineman and Jake Prunty and forward Nash Roed — to the 2026‑27 U.S. National Under‑18 Team.
Prunty comes off a standout season with the Sioux Falls Stampede, where he helped the club capture the USHL Clark Cup Championship. In 44 regular‑season appearances he tallied 37 points, the highest total among rookie defensemen, and earned USHL Defenseman of the Week honors. His performance earned him a spot on the USHL All‑Rookie Team.
Internationally, Prunty represented Team USA at the 2026 Five Nations Tournament, skating in four games, and previously contributed four points in four contests at the 2025 Under‑17 Four Nations Tournament. He was also a key member of the 2025 World Junior A Challenge championship squad, recording four assists in five games.
The expanded roster reflects USA Hockey’s intent to blend offensive upside with defensive reliability as the program prepares for a competitive season against elite junior competition.
Roster additions
The inclusion of Mineman and Roed adds depth to the blue‑line and forward lines, giving the coaching staff versatile options as they shape the team’s chemistry ahead of the first preseason matchup.
Preseason kickoff
The U18 squad will open its schedule with a preseason game against the Muskegon Lumberjacks on September 11, followed by the annual “Play with Purpose” Charity Hockey Game at USA Hockey Arena on September 12. Both events provide early opportunities for the new roster to showcase its cohesion and for fans to engage with the team’s community initiatives.