Ryan Leonard and Cole Hutson were selected as part of Team USA’s 25-man roster headed to the 2025 World Junior Championship in Ottawa.
Leonard will play in his second tournament, while Hutson will make his debut appearance. The two Washington Capitals prospects just completed a preliminary camp at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, surviving the four cuts the US brass needed to make before heading north of the border.
Team USA won gold at last year’s tournament. Leonard was a big part of that team and scored a goal in the final against Sweden.
Leonard, the eighth overall selection in the 2023 NHL Draft, had six points (3g, 3a) in seven games as an 18-year-old last year. He comes into this year’s tournament tied for the NCAA lead in goals this season with 12, and the two players tied with him have played at least two more games.
The 19-year-old winger has 19 points (12g, 7a) in 16 games for the Boston College Eagles and also leads the nation in shots on goal (94) and game-winning goals (5). All 12 of his goals have come at even strength.
After winning gold at the junior level last year, Leonard debuted with the senior US team at the 2024 World Championship. He played in six games and recorded one assist.
Hutson was a second-round selection of the Capitals in the 2024 NHL Draft and is in the middle of his freshman season at Boston University. The 18-year-old rearguard has posted 14 points (4g, 10a) and 46 penalty minutes in 16 games for the Terriers.
The Missouri native has previous experience with Team USA, starring at the most recent U18 World Championship. He ranked second on the team in scoring with 13 points (4g, 9a) in seven games.
The 2025 tournament will begin on December 26, 2024, and end with the gold medal game on January 5, 2025. Team USA’s first contest comes against Germany on the opening day of games.
