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PLYMOUTH, Mich. — The United States won’t pick its team for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship until December, but coach David Carle already knows goaltending will be a strength.

Two goalies out of the five who started at the World Junior Summer Showcase at USA Hockey Arena on July 26 were part of the 2024 WJC gold medal-winning team. These goalies were Trey Augustine from Detroit Red Wings and Sam Hillebrandt, who is eligible for the 2025 draft. Additionally, Augustine and Hampton Slukynsky from the Los Angeles Kings attended the WJSS the previous summer.

“Clearly, we’re fortunate to have a good depth in our team,” Carle asserted on Thursday. “It all begins with Trey at the top, which is different from last year when there was a bit of a struggle. Not to imply there won’t be a challenge this year, but Trey has shown remarkable performance in his tenure here. We also have these players who are still with us, they’ve all had their shining moments and I’m confident the contest and rivalry will continue throughout the fall, into the college and junior seasons.”

19-year-old Augustine had an outstanding performance at the 2024 WJC, achieving a record of 4-0-0, a 1.75 goals-against average, and a .936 save percentage in four games. He was among the seven veteran players who were released early from the WJSS, providing the coaches an opportunity to explore more players.

Though he hasn’t been officially named the starter, Augustine’s impressive track record – which includes a gold and bronze medal at the 2023 World Juniors, a gold medal at the 2023 IIHF Under-18 World Championship, and participation in the 2024 IIHF World Championship – suggests that he will likely be the primary goalie in the tournament set to take place in Ottawa from December 26 to January 5.

“Reflecting on Trey and his gameplay, I’m uncertain if I’ve ever encountered a more intelligent goalie in terms of his ability to interpret situations,” said David Lassonde, the U.S. goaltending coach. “Moreover, he has a keen awareness of the minor aspects he may not be excelling at currently and needs to improve on, and he proactively addresses them.”

Reflecting on it, this will be his third consecutive World Junior experience. He has previously participated in our men’s Worlds team. He has a record of winning two gold medals in IIHF competition. He claimed the national champion title at HoneyBaked’s U-15 youth program. He evidently has a knack for winning, which I believe speaks volumes about his contribution. Beyond that, he possesses a maturity that surpasses his age.

Hillebrandt, who was 19 years old, served as the third goalkeeper for the 2024 team but never played in a game. Last season, he had a record of 16-15-2, a goals against average (GAA) of 3.67, and a save percentage of .899 in 36 games with the Barrie from the Ontario Hockey League.

He is aspiring for a more substantial role in the 2025 WJC, and his motivation is fueled further by not being selected in the 2024 NHL Draft.

“Undoubtedly,” Hillebrandt confirmed. “It’s clear that everyone aspires to be drafted, but unfortunately, that didn’t transpire for me. Hence, every day when I’m training in the gym or on the ice, I’m constantly reminded of my desire to prove everyone wrong, to show them why I should have been selected in the draft.”

Lassonde identifies confidence as the major aspect that Hillebrandt needs to improve in his game.

Lassonde expressed, “The growth of a goalie is largely influenced by confidence, I believe. In Sammy’s case, he clearly feels a deep sense of belonging, which is evident. His inclusion in our team last year and his return this summer surely boosted his confidence. His performance in the OHL playoff series against Oshawa, despite his team’s 4-2 loss, was outstanding. He was named a star of the game in two of those matches, indicating his remarkable performance, which I believe significantly contributed to his confidence this summer.”

In terms of his game’s growth, I see it mostly from a confidence perspective for him.

Last year, 19-year-old Slukynsky was competing with Hillebrandt for a tournament roster spot. However, USA Hockey determined it would be more beneficial for him to remain with Fargo in the United States Hockey League. He participated in the 2024 World Junior A Challenge, where he had a 3.00 GAA and .872 save percentage over five games, contributing to the U.S. team’s bronze medal win.

The trajectory followed a similar pattern to that of Jacob Fowler, a goalie prospect for the Montreal Canadiens under USA Hockey. Fowler transitioned from participating in the 2023 World Junior A Challenge to serving as Augustine’s backup in the 2024 WJC.

“Hampton’s driven nature gives him an opportunity,” stated Lassonde. “His coachability, athleticism, and speed are commendable. I believe he possesses an excellent mindset towards it.”

Slukynsky expressed that his experiences from the previous season have made him feel more comfortable at the WJSS this year.

“He said, “Last year, I came here directly from high school, which was a significant leap. It was quite a revelation for me. This year, my confidence has increased substantially. I’m more familiar with everyone here, having either played with or against them. I am not only more confident but also more accustomed to the skill level.”

Nicholas Kempf, 18, from Washington Capitals, and Carsen Musser, 19, from Utah Hockey Club, are the other two U.S. goalies at this location. They are both new to the World Junior level. However, they faced more challenging, older competitors last season. Kempf played with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team, while Musser played with Madison of the USHL after participating in the NTDP U-18 team in the 2022-23 season.

Lassonde stated, “Participating in the USHL certainly aids in that situation. I believe they’ve handled the slightly increased game pace very well, addressing not just the physical aspects but also the mental ones.”

The remaining four goalkeepers will use the rest of the WJSS, which includes games against Sweden on Friday and Canada on Saturday, along with their practice sessions, to prove their worth for the tournament. Once the season commences in the fall, each goalkeeper will be under close observation.

The realization of having the opportunity to play a significant role in the World Juniors is starting to sink in for them.

Kempf, who is set to play at Notre Dame this season, said, “Growing up, I watched it a lot. I never truly considered how near I could be, and it’s only now that I’m starting to understand that. The effort to make the team starts now.”