The United States finalized its roster for the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship on Thursday by releasing defenseman Steven Santini of Boston College.
Santini has not played since Oct. 25 due to a wrist injury, but had the cast removed from his wrist on Monday.
“We wanted to see where Steve was after he had the cast removed and it’s clear he needs more time before he’s ready to play,” said Team USA general manager Jim Johannson in a news release.
The final U.S. roster includes three goaltenders, seven defensemen and 13 forwards.
Forward Jack Eichel (Boston University) was named captain of the team, with defenseman Will Butcher (Denver) and forward John Hayden (Yale) serving as alternate captains.
Team USA will begin play Friday (Dec. 26) against Finland at 3 p.m. EDT in Montreal.
| Player's Name | Position | School |
|---|---|---|
| JT Compher | F | Michigan |
| Nick Schmaltz | F | North Dakota |
| Jack Eichel | F | Boston University |
| Anthony Louis | F | Miami |
| Miles Wood | F | Boston College (2015) |
| Tyler Motte | F | Michigan |
| John Hayden | F | Yale |
| Alex Tuch | F | Boston College |
| Dylan Larkin | F | Michigan |
| Hudson Fasching | F | Minnesota |
| Noah Hanifin | D | Boston College |
| Ian McCoshen | D | Boston College |
| Will Butcher | D | Denver |
| Ryan Collins | D | Minnesota |
| Zach Werenski | D | Michigan |
| Thatcher Demko | G | Boston College |
In addition, uncommitted forward Auston Matthews from the U.S. NTDP also made the U.S. squad.
NCAA players on other World Junior teams include St. Cloud State defenseman Mika Ilvonen (Finland), Ohio State defenseman Janik Moser (Germany), Western Michigan forward Frederik Tiffels (Germany), Minnesota State recruits and forwards Parker Tuomie and Marc Michaelis (Germany) and Minnesota forward Leon Bristedt (Sweden).
