Hagens Tops USA World Junior Team Selection for 2025

James Hagens, a standout freshman center for Boston College and a projected top-four pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, leads a group of 28 players invited to the final selection camp for the USA Hockey World Junior Championship (WJC) 2025. The camp will take place from December 16-17 at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, where the roster will be narrowed to 25 players for the tournament in Ottawa, running from December 26 to January 5.

Hagens’ Performance and Impact

Hagens, a highly rated “A” prospect by NHL Central Scouting, has tallied 17 points (3 goals, 14 assists) in just 13 games this season. He was also part of the gold medal-winning team at the 2024 WJC, contributing to a dominant 6-2 victory over Sweden in the finals. His skill and leadership make him a crucial component of the U.S. roster.

Joining Hagens are other high-profile players, including Ryan Leonard (Washington Capitals) and Gabe Perreault (New York Rangers), both teammates at Boston College, as well as returning WJC stars like goalie Trey Augustine (Detroit Red Wings) and forward Oliver Moore (Chicago Blackhawks).

Roster and Key Players

The camp roster includes three notable prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft: Hagens, Samuel Hillebrandt, and defensemen Blake Fiddler and Logan Hensler, all ranked highly by NHL Central Scouting.

Returning Stars:

• Zeev Buium (Minnesota Wild)
• Drew Fortescue (New York Rangers)
• Aram Minnetian (Dallas Stars)

Prominent Forwards:

• Danny Nelson (New York Islanders)
• Carey Terrance (Anaheim Ducks)

Tournament Outlook

The U.S. will compete in Group A alongside Canada, Finland, Latvia, and Germany. A key matchup with Canada on December 31 promises high stakes and excitement, marking the first New Year’s Eve clash since 2017. Meanwhile, Group B features Sweden, Czechia, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Kazakhstan.

Canada has also released its preliminary 32-player roster, setting the stage for intense competition.

Full USA Camp Roster

Goalies:

• Trey Augustine (Michigan State, Detroit Red Wings)
• Samuel Hillebrandt (Barrie, OHL, 2025 eligible)
• Hampton Slukynsky (Western Michigan, Los Angeles Kings)

Defensemen:

• Zeev Buium (Denver, Minnesota Wild)
• EJ Emery (North Dakota, New York Rangers)
• Blake Fiddler (Edmonton, WHL, 2025 eligible)
• Logan Hensler (Wisconsin, 2025 eligible)

Forwards:

• James Hagens (Boston College, 2025 eligible)
• Ryan Leonard (Boston College, Washington Capitals)
• Gabe Perreault (Boston College, New York Rangers)
• Oliver Moore (Minnesota, Chicago Blackhawks)

The U.S. roster reflects a blend of experienced WJC veterans and promising young talent, aiming to defend their title and showcase the next generation of hockey stars.

Anticipation Builds for Hagens’ Upcoming Performances

As James Hagens prepares for the next chapter of his hockey journey, a

ll eyes will be on his performances in high-stakes competitions. His expected participation in the 2025 World Junior Championship offers an exciting opportunity to showcase his exceptional talent on an international stage. Fans and scouts alike are eager to see how he will fare against elite global competition, particularly in marquee matchups like the anticipated clash between the U.S. and Canada. Hagens’ skillset positions him as a key player to watch in these pivotal games.