The USHL Pipeline Was Everywhere at the 2026 World Juniors The standouts, the surprise contributors, and the prospects whose stock moved most after the tournament.

The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship (WJC) in Minnesota featured 45 current and former USHL players across various national teams. This mix of active USHL players and league alumni underscores the league’s continued role as a dynamic pipeline to elite international play. Below, we detail these players ordered from the highest-performing in the WJC to the lowest. Each entry includes the player’s WJC team/country, USHL team (alumnus or active), current club, WJC performance, and future prospects, with the top five players also receiving additional background information.

 

 

 

WJC Role: First-line center for Team Canada; led the entire tournament in scoring with 15 points (2 goals, 13 assists) in 7 games. Hage’s playmaking was pivotal in Canada’s bronze-medal run, highlighted by a four-assist performance in the bronze game vs. Finland. He was named to the Media All-Star Team as a forward for the 2026 WJC.

 

Background: Hage hails from Mississauga, Ontario and developed in the Toronto Jr. Canadiens youth program. In 2022–23 he played in the USHL for Chicago, and he entered NCAA hockey in 2024. He was drafted 21st overall in 2024 by the Montreal Canadiens (NHL), making him a top prospect in their system. A sophomore at Michigan, Hage was the Big Ten Rookie of the Year in 2024–25 after posting 34 points as a freshman. His combination of vision and puck skills has drawn attention as he projects as a future NHL playmaker.

 

 

WJC Role: Top-six forward for Finland, which finished 4th. Ruohonen tallied 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists) in 7 games, tying as Finland’s leading scorer and ranking among the tournament’s top 10 point-getters. A native of Helsinki, Finland, Ruohonen brought size (6’2”/187 cm) and two-way play, building on a 4-point showing in Finland’s silver-medal run the year prior.

 

Background: Ruohonen came up through the Espoo Blues junior program in Finland. He was the 1st overall pick in the 2024 USHL Phase II Draft and spent 2024–25 in Dubuque before heading to Harvard. The Philadelphia Flyers selected Ruohonen in the 4th round (107th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, and he is currently an unsigned NHL prospect in the Flyers’ system. Scouts laud his blend of power and playmaking; he’s a “two-way centre who drives play” with some power forward qualities. Ruohonen is expected to continue developing in the NCAA before turning pro, potentially joining Philadelphia in a few years.

 

 

WJC Role: Key power forward for silver-medalist Czechia. Nestrašil notched 7 points (2 goals, 5 assists) in 6 games, making him one of Czechia’s top scorers. At 6’6” (198 cm), he was a towering net-front presence and playmaker for the Czechs. Though only 18, he was playing in his second World Juniors and took on an expanded role, contributing important assists throughout the tournament.

 

Background: Nestrašil was born in Prague, Czech Republic, and played youth hockey with Sparta Praha before coming to the USHL. He joined Muskegon during 2023–24 and in 2024–25 recorded 42 points, helping the Lumberjacks win their first-ever Clark Cup championship. In the 2025 NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks selected Nestrašil in the 1st round, 25th overall, seeing him as a high-upside prospect. He moved to UMass in 2025 and was immediately a contributor; in fact, he earned a Hockey East Rookie of the Week honor with a hat trick early in the season. Nestrašil’s family has hockey lineage, one older brother, Andrej, played in the NHL, and Václav’s blend of size, skill, and pedigree suggests a future NHL power forward if his development continues.

 

 

WJC Role: Playmaking center for Czechia’s silver-medal squad. Benák accrued 8 points in 6 games (1 goal and 7 assists), with his 7 assists among the tournament’s highest totals. Often centering Czechia’s second line, he was a primary setup man. Benák’s vision was on display especially on the power play, and he was trusted in key offensive situations despite being one of the smaller players on the ice (5’7”/170 cm).

 

Background: Benák is from Znojmo, Czech Republic. He was a prolific scorer in Czech junior leagues and even debuted in the Czech Extraliga at 16. Seeking stronger competition, Benák was drafted by Youngstown in the USHL and moved to the U.S. for 2024–25. He led the Phantoms in scoring with 59 points in 56 games, the most by any U18 player in the league that year. The Minnesota Wild selected him in the 4th round (102nd overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft. Rather than go to college, Benák chose the Canadian major-junior route in 2025 and now plays for Brantford in the OHL. Though undersized, he “has dominated wherever he has played” and is viewed as an intriguing playmaker in the Wild’s prospect pool. His WJC performance against his peers affirmed his high-end hockey IQ and skill.

 

 

WJC Role: Dynamic winger for Team USA. Despite the Americans’ quarter-final exit, Zellers was one of the tournament’s most dangerous scorers, posting 8 points (5 goals, 3 assists) in just 5 games. He led Team USA in scoring and his 5 goals were tied for second-most in the entire WJC. Zellers scored in bunches, including multiple game-winning goals, showcasing his speed and finishing ability even as USA fell short of the medal round.

 

Background: Zellers is from Maple Grove, Minnesota. He starred at Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep and was selected by Green Bay in the USHL, where in 2024–25 he exploded for 71 points (44 goals) in 52 games. He was honored as the USHL Forward of the Year for that season. The Colorado Avalanche drafted Zellers in the 3rd round (76th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, and he later became a Boston Bruins prospect after his NHL rights were dealt in a mid-season 2024–25 trade. Now a freshman at UND, Zellers continues to flash elite speed and a goal-scorer’s touch. His trajectory points toward the NHL: scouts see him as a “speedster” offensive forward, and the Bruins will be monitoring his college development closely.

 

 

WJC Role: A highly touted forward for Team USA, Hagens centered one of the top lines. He put up 7 points (2 goals, 5 assists) in 5 games, tying for second in team scoring behind Zellers. Hagens’ 5 assists led Team USA, and he often drove play with his puck skill and hockey sense. Even though the U.S. team bowed out earlier than expected, Hagens showed flashes of why he’s considered a future star, including a clutch overtime goal in group play and creative setups to linemates.

 

Background: Hagens was drafted 7th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft by the Boston Bruins. He had already drawn attention by dominating the U18 level and accelerating his graduation to college. At Boston College, Hagens is continuing to develop against older competition. Standing 5’11” with elite agility, he’s often compared to Jack Hughes in playing style. His solid WJC showing as one of USA’s offensive drivers only reinforced his status as one of the Bruins’ top forward prospects.

 

 

WJC Role: Winger for Team USA. Ziemer recorded 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists) in 5 games, emerging as a pleasant surprise offensively. Playing in a middle-six role, he was especially effective on the forecheck and in setting up teammates (his 5 assists were second on Team USA behind Hagens). Ziemer’s plus-minus of +2 reflects his responsible two-way play as well.

 

Background: Ziemer was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2024. A product of the NTDP and now at Minnesota, he brings a high motor and versatility. Scouts took note of his WJC contributions, and his profile projects as a fast, tenacious winger who can chip in offense. He’ll aim to build on this at Minnesota and potentially earn a bigger role in next year’s World Juniors.

 

 

WJC Role: Offensive defenseman for Team Slovakia. Radivojević tallied 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists) in 4 games. Despite Slovakia’s quarter-final exit, he was a standout on the blue line when healthy. In fact, he was leading the Slovaks in scoring until he missed a game due to a minor injury. His performance included quarterbacking the power play and a multi-point game in the group stage.

 

Background: Radivojević played in the USHL with Muskegon before enrolling at Boston College. He was eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft and went undrafted. At 5’10”, he isn’t huge, but he skates well and has offensive instincts. His showing in Minnesota, albeit abbreviated, affirmed his upside. If his defensive game rounds out in the NCAA, he projects as a potential future power-play contributor at higher levels.

 

 

WJC Role: High-profile sniper for Team USA. Eiserman entered the tournament amid huge expectations (he was a key piece of the 2025 gold-medal team as an 18-year-old). However, in the 2026 WJC he had a relatively quiet showing, with 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) in 5 games. He struggled to find open ice at times and finished with a –4 rating. Still, his 2 goals included a memorable one-timer on the power play, reminding everyone of his elite shot. Even when not scoring, Eiserman attracted heavy defensive attention, which may have opened space for teammates like Zellers and Hagens.

 

Background: Eiserman is one of the most highly touted American goal scorers in recent memory. He was drafted 20th overall by the New York Islanders in 2024. A Massachusetts native, Eiserman shattered USNTDP goal-scoring records with his heavy, accurate shot. At BU this season, he’s among the NCAA freshman scoring leaders. The Islanders have a keen eye on his development; despite a subpar World Juniors statistically, Eiserman’s pedigree and scoring talent still suggest a future NHL top-six winger. He’s likely to turn pro after a year or two in college once he refines his all-around game.

 

 

WJC Role: Forward for Team USA, usually slotted as a middle-six center. Lee posted 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) in 5 games (per IIHF stats) in a solid contribution in limited ice time. He was effective when used on the penalty kill and brought physicality as one of the older forwards (19 years old). Lee’s two goals came against Slovakia and Finland, including a net-front finish that showcased his grit.

 

Background: Lee was selected by the Nashville Predators in the 1st round (26th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft. Lee is known for a strong work ethic and is now at MSU, where he projects as a two-way center at the pro level. In the WJC, Lee’s performance was steady if unspectacular, but the Predators are high on his leadership traits and defensive acumen. Expect him to play another year of college before considering a jump to the AHL/NHL.

 

 

(The remaining players with USHL ties saw more limited roles or production at the 2026 WJC. They are listed below in descending order of their impact at the tournament.)

 

LJ Mooney (USA) – Forward (NTDP alumnus, now University of Minnesota). Recorded 3 assists in 5 games for Team USA. Mooney, a 2025 Montreal draftee, was used in a bottom-six role but contributed energy and play-driving on the third line. He is a fast, hard-working winger with upside as a college player for the Gophers.

 

Chase “EJ” Emery (USA) – Defenseman (NTDP alumnus, now Univ. of North Dakota). Tallied 2 assists in 5 games from the American blue line (unofficial stats). Emery, an offensive-minded defenseman, was a puck-mover on the second D pair. A freshman at UND, he was drafted by the New York Rangers in 2024 (1st round, 30th overall). He showcased good skating in the WJC, though some defensive lapses were evident in the quarter-final loss.

 

Adam Kleber (USA) – Defenseman (Lincoln Stars alumnus, now Univ. of Minnesota Duluth). Logged 2 assists in 5 games for Team USA (and a +1 rating). Kleber, a 6’4” puck-moving defenseman, was one of Team USA’s returning players. Drafted by Buffalo in 2024 (3rd round), he played a steady game and saw power-play time. He is expected to continue developing in the NCAA and is a prospect to watch for the Sabres.

 

Logan Hensler (USA) – Defenseman (NTDP alumnus, now Univ. of Wisconsin). Recorded 1 assist in 5 games. Hensler was USA’s youngest blueliner and a returning gold medalist from 2025. He was taken by the Ottawa Senators in the 1st round (23rd overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft. In this WJC, he played a more limited role on the third pair. Hensler’s upside as a mobile defenseman remains high, and he’s slated to take on more responsibility in future tournaments.

 

Cole Hutson (USA) – Defenseman (NTDP alumnus, now Boston University). Notched 1 assist in 5 games. Hutson, the younger brother of NHL prospect Lane Hutson, was a power-play specialist for Team USA. Drafted by Washington at 43rd overall in 2024, Cole is an elite puck distributor. However, at 5’8” he faced physical challenges in this WJC and mostly played sheltered minutes. He remains a top defense prospect in the Capitals’ system and will likely continue to quarterback BU’s power play this season.

 

Teddy Stiga (USA) – Forward (NTDP alumnus, now Boston College). Recorded 1 assist in 5 games. Stiga, a Nashville Predators 2024 draftee, brought speed to USA’s wing. He played on the third line and was used situationally. While not a big producer in this tournament, Stiga’s speed and tenacity were evident. At BC this year, he’ll look to round out his offensive game; Nashville views him as a potential depth scorer with excellent skating.

 

Max Plante (USA) – Forward (NTDP alumnus, now Univ. of Minnesota Duluth). Registered 1 assist in 5 games. Plante, drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 2024 (2nd round), is the son of former NHLer Derek Plante. In the WJC, he played wing on the third line and showed flashes of skill, though limited ice time kept his numbers low. He remains a notable prospect due to his hockey IQ and pedigree, and will continue at UMD before likely signing with Detroit.

 

Cole McKinney (USA) – Forward (NTDP alumnus, now Univ. of Michigan). Went scoreless in 5 games. McKinney was a depth forward for Team USA, often centering the fourth line. He is known for his two-way game and faceoff ability. Committed to Michigan, McKinney is undrafted (2025 eligible) and projects as a defensive specialist at higher levels. His lack of points at WJC reflects limited offensive opportunities rather than a lack of effort.

 

Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen (USA) – Defenseman (NTDP alumnus, now Univ. of Michigan). No points in 5 games. Rheaume-Mullen (son of Manon Rhéaume, the trailblazing female goalie) served as USA’s 7th defenseman, seeing spot duty. A Michigan freshman, he’s a 6’3” stay-at-home defender. His role in this tournament was primarily penalty-killing and providing depth. Drafted by Tampa Bay in 2024 (5th round), he’s considered a long-term project with pro size.

 

Asher Barnett (USA) – Defenseman (NTDP alumnus, now Univ. of Michigan). No points in 5 games. Barnett was another depth blueliner for Team USA. A smooth skater at 5’11”, he didn’t hit the scoresheet but was reliable in his own end when called upon. Barnett went undrafted in 2024 and is a free agent prospect; a strong college season could put him on NHL teams’ radar.

 

Nick Kempf (USA) – Goaltender (NTDP alumnus, now Notre Dame). Goaltending stats: 3 GP, 2.57 GAA, .895 SV%. Kempf appeared in goal for Team USA and showed flashes, but the Americans rotated goaltenders during the tournament. As a freshman at Notre Dame he’s had ups and downs, but the Capitals remain optimistic about the Illinois native’s reflexes and pedigree. Notably, all three U.S. goalies had USHL ties, and Kempf’s experience from the NTDP (USHL) proved valuable on the WJC stage.

 

Caleb Heil (USA) – Goaltender (Madison Capitols – active). Heil, a Tampa Bay Lightning draft pick (2025, 7th round) and University of North Dakota commit, served as one of Team USA’s goaltenders and made a start in the quarterfinal vs. Finland, making 25 saves. At 6’4”, Heil is an imposing netminder currently playing in the USHL and is expected to start at UND next year.

 

Brady Knowling (USA) – Goaltender (NTDP – active). Knowling saw action in relief during the tournament and was credited with a 25-save effort in relief in an overtime win over Switzerland. The young NTDP goalie gained valuable experience on the roster. His inclusion, along with Kempf and Heil, underscores how prevalent the USHL pipeline is for developing goalies.

 

Richard Zemlička (Czechia) – Forward (Youngstown Phantoms – active). WJC: 0 points in 7 games. A bottom-six forward for Czechia, Zemlička saw limited ice time on a deep Czech roster. The 18-year-old is currently playing for Youngstown in the USHL. At 6’3”, he provides size down the middle and is eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft. While Zemlička didn’t hit the scoresheet, he was part of Czechia’s historic run to the silver medal and will likely take on a bigger role in next year’s WJC if he returns.

 

Adam Beľuško (Slovakia) – Forward (Muskegon Lumberjacks – active). WJC: 0 points in 5 games. Beľuško skated on Slovakia’s fourth line, primarily in a checking role. The 2006-born winger is a USHL rookie this season. He showed a high work rate and physical play, contributing to Slovakia’s depth even without scoring. Beľuško is committed to Minnesota State University for 2026, and his experience in Minnesota showed he can hold his own against top peers; the next step is to contribute more offensively at both ends of the ice.

 

Alan Lendák (Slovakia) – Forward (Des Moines Buccaneers – active). WJC: 0 points in 5 games. Lendák, a 5’10” forward, brought energy to Slovakia’s lineup but was held scoreless. He is an active USHL player and will look to translate his effort into production as the season continues. Lendák is eligible for the 2025 draft and will use his WJC experience as motivation to elevate his game.

 

Michal Pradel (Slovakia) – Goaltender (Tri-City Storm – active). WJC: 4 GP, 4.11 GAA, .877 SV%. Pradel handled a significant workload for Slovakia, facing 106 shots in 189:43 of ice time. The USHL netminder gained high-leverage experience in Minnesota that should carry back into his development path.

 

Leo Henriksson (Slovakia) – Defenseman (Green Bay Gamblers – active). WJC: 0 points in 5 games. Henriksson, an offensively gifted blueliner, surprisingly went without points as a depth defenseman for Slovakia. In Green Bay, he has been a contributor on the scoresheet, so his quiet WJC was a bit unexpected. Still, Henriksson showed flashes of puck-moving ability. He’s 2025 draft-eligible and will aim to make a stronger case next year.

 

Samuel Murín (Slovakia) – Goaltender (Tri-City Storm – active). WJC: Served as one of Slovakia’s backup goalies; 0 GP. Murín is a USHL rookie goalie who, along with compatriot Patrik Andrisík (not on the final WJC roster), represents Slovakia’s youth in net. Although Murín didn’t see action, practicing at the World Juniors level is valuable for his development. He’ll return to Tri-City looking to earn more starts and potentially contend for a roster spot in the 2027 World Juniors.

 

Markus Jakobsen (Denmark) – Forward (Sioux Falls Stampede – active). WJC: 0 points in 4 games. Jakobsen represented Denmark, which finished 10th and was relegated. Centering Denmark’s third line, he faced tough competition and couldn’t find the scoresheet. Currently with Sioux Falls, Jakobsen is adjusting to the North American style. Gaining WJC experience in Minnesota will serve him well as he continues in the USHL; he hopes to join a college program next year and keep Denmark on the hockey radar.

 

Gustavs Grīva (Germany) – Forward (Madison Capitols – active). WJC: 0 points in 4 games. Grīva played wing for Team Germany, which did not reach the quarterfinals. A speedy forward in Madison, he generated a few chances but couldn’t convert against strong Group B opponents. Grīva is one of several Latvians and Germans choosing the USHL route for development. He remains undrafted and will use the rest of the USHL season to try to earn pro or college opportunities.

 

Rūdolfs Beržkalns (Latvia) – Defenseman (Muskegon Lumberjacks – active). WJC: 0 points in 5 games. Beržkalns was one of Latvia’s younger defensemen, often the 6th/7th D. In Muskegon, he’s shown some offensive upside, but in the WJC he focused on defense. At 6’2”, he has good size and is draft-eligible in 2025. Beržkalns will use the experience from playing teams like Sweden and Czechia to continue developing his game in the USHL.

 

Lenny Giger (Switzerland) – Forward (Sioux City Musketeers – active). WJC: 0 points in 5 games. Giger was part of Switzerland’s squad that made the quarterfinals. He primarily played a checking role on the fourth line and did not score. Currently in Sioux City, Giger is one of several Swiss juniors opting for the USHL path. He has decent size (6’0”) and will return to club play aiming to add offense to his repertoire.

 

Phileas Lachat (Switzerland) – Defenseman (Waterloo Black Hawks – active). WJC: 0 points in 5 games. Lachat skated on Switzerland’s third defense pairing. A mobile defender in Waterloo, he kept a clean sheet in points but was +1 in plus/minus during the tournament, indicating reliable defensive play. Lachat has a scholarship to Ohio State University for next year. His time in Minnesota showed he can hold his own against top peers; the next step is to contribute more at both ends.

 

 

Each of these players leveraged their USHL experience to reach the world stage. In many cases, they have already moved on to higher levels (NCAA or pro) or are on the cusp of doing so. The USHL continues to be a pipeline to both college hockey and the NHL – evidenced by the fact that over half of Team USA’s roster and numerous international players in the 2026 WJC were current or former USHL players. The top performers like Hage, Ruohonen, Nestrašil, Benák, and Zellers not only shone in Minnesota but also reinforced their status as future NHL talents, while those with quieter tournaments still gained invaluable experience that will serve them in their pro aspirations. The breadth of representation, from a Canadian All-Star to role players from Europe’s smaller hockey nations, highlights the USHL’s growing international impact on junior hockey’s biggest stage.

photo: USHL.com