UND Trio Joins Team USA for World Junior Championship

Three players from the University of North Dakota (UND) have been selected to represent Team USA at the World Junior Championship, which commences on December 15, 2023, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Defenseman E.J. Emery, forward Will Zellers, and Caleb Heil, a goalie recruit for 2026, are set to compete in the tournament, marking a significant achievement for the university.

Match Details and Team Selection

Team USA will kick off its campaign against Germany on December 15 at 17:00 at the Grand Casino Arena. The final selections were made following an exhibition match against Finland on December 12, where Jacob Kvasnicka and Blake Fiddler were the last players cut from the roster.

This year marks the fourth occasion that UND has had three American players participate in a single World Junior Championship, equaling the school record. Previous instances occurred in 2003, 2004, and 2006, showcasing the university’s strong hockey program over the years.

Player Highlights

E.J. Emery, who was among the final cuts last year, secured his place on the U.S. squad after a standout performance in the first half of the season with the Fighting Hawks. Known for his defensive skills, Emery has played a crucial role in the team’s defensive lineup, contributing two goals and four points while helping the No. 4-ranked Fighting Hawks maintain a strong position.

Will Zellers made a late addition to the American team after an impressive start to his freshman year. Initially not included in the training camp roster, Zellers was called up following his performance, which has seen him score ten goals and 15 points in just 18 games. His two goals in an exhibition match with Team USA this week further solidified his spot on the team.

Caleb Heil, who currently plays in the United States Hockey League for Madison, is one of three goalies on the final U.S. roster. He showcased his potential during the exhibition match by stopping nine of ten shots, demonstrating his readiness for the international stage.

In addition to the American representatives, UND will also have three players on the Canadian team, marking the highest number in the school’s history. The Canadian squad includes forward Cole Reschny, defenseman Keaton Verhoeff, and 2026 defenseman recruit Ethan MacKenzie. Team Canada will begin its tournament against Czechia on December 15 at 19:30 at 3M Arena at Mariucci.

As the tournament unfolds, the contributions of these young talents will be closely watched, not only for their individual performances but also for their roles in the larger context of international hockey competition. The World Juniors are often seen as a stepping stone for future NHL stars, and the presence of players from UND underscores the university’s commitment to fostering athletic excellence.