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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 who started at the World Junior Summer Showcase at USA Hockey Arena on July 26, Trey Augustine (Detroit Red Wings) and Sam Hillebrandt (eligible for 2025 draft), were members of the gold medal-winning team at the 2024 WJC. Additionally, Augustine and Hampton Slukynsky (Los Angeles Kings) were attendees at last summer’s WJSS. Both Augustine and Hillebrandt are among the five goalies who kicked off the showcase.

Carle said on Thursday, “It’s clear that we’re fortunate to have such depth in our team. The strength begins with Trey at the top. I believe the situation is somewhat different from last year when there was a significant competition. This doesn’t mean there won’t be competition this year, but Trey has shown great potential during his tenure here. We also have other players who have remained with us, each performing well when given the chance. I’m confident that this healthy competition will continue through the fall and into the college and junior seasons.”

19-year-old Augustine had a 4-0-0 record, a 1.75 goals-against average, and a .936 save percentage in four games at the 2024 WJC. He was one of seven returning players released early from the WJSS to give the coaches an opportunity to observe more players.

Although Augustine hasn’t been officially named the starter, his impressive record – which includes a gold and bronze medal from the 2023 World Juniors, a gold medal from the 2023 IIHF Under-18 World Championship and participation in the 2024 IIHF World Championship – suggests that he is likely to be the main goalkeeper during the tournament in Ottawa, running from December 26 to January 5.

“When considering Trey and his game, I’m not sure I’ve ever encountered a goalie with a sharper intellect in terms of interpreting the game,” stated U.S. goaltending coach David Lassonde. “Furthermore, he’s self-aware. He identifies his minor weaknesses that may need improvement and takes action,” he added.

When you reflect on it, this will be his third straight World Junior experience. He’s participated on our men’s World team. He’s earned two gold medals in IIHF tournaments. He claimed a national championship at the U-15 level with the HoneyBaked youth program. He has a knack for winning. This undoubtedly speaks volumes about what he contributes. And, he possesses a level of maturity far beyond his years.

Hillebrandt, aged 19, served as the third goalie for the 2024 team but never played in a game. Last season, he recorded a 16-15-2 record, a 3.67 goals against average (GAA), and a .899 save percentage in 36 matches with the Barrie team in the Ontario Hockey League.

He aspires to have a more significant role in the 2025 WJC, with additional motivation stemming from being overlooked in the 2024 NHL Draft.

“Definitely,” stated Hillebrandt. “It’s clear that everyone’s ambition is to be drafted, but sadly, that didn’t happen for me. Therefore, each day when I’m working out in the gym or practicing on the ice, I constantly remind myself of my goal to prove everyone wrong, to demonstrate why I should have been included in the draft.”

Lassonde identifies confidence as the most significant improvement in Hillebrandt’s game.

“Lassonde expressed that the confidence of a goalie significantly influences their growth. He pointed out that Sammy’s self-assurance is evident, especially since he feels he fits in perfectly. He proved his worth by making the team last year and returning this summer. Lassonde believes Sammy’s performance in the OHL playoff series against Oshawa, despite their 4-2 loss, boosted his confidence. In two of those games, Sammy was named a star of the game, demonstrating impressive skills,” he said.

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

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

USA Hockey followed a similar trajectory with Montreal Canadiens goalie prospect Jacob Fowler, as they did with Augustine. Fowler progressed from playing in the 2023 World Junior A Challenge to serving as Augustine’s backup goalie at the 2024 World Junior Championship.

Lassonde stated, “Hampton’s driven nature is one thing that gives him a chance. He’s coachable, athletic, and quick. I believe he has an excellent mindset about it.”

After his experiences last season, Slukynsky expressed that he feels more comfortable at the WJSS this year.

“He mentioned, “The transition from high school to here was a massive leap for me last year. It was a significant revelation. Now, being here this year, I’ve gained more confidence, as I’ve played with or against almost everyone here. I’m much more confident and evidently more accustomed to the skill level.”

The other two U.S. goalies present, 18-year-old Nicholas Kempf from Washington Capitals and 19-year-old Carsen Musser from Utah Hockey Club, are new to the World Junior level. However, they both faced more challenging, experienced competition last season. Kempf played with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team, while Musser competed with Madison of the USHL, following his stint with the NTDP U-18 team in the 2022-23 season.

Lassonde believes that playing in the USHL undoubtedly aids in that situation. He expressed his view that they have managed the slightly faster pace of the game quite well, addressing not only the physical but also the mental aspects of it.

The rest of the WJSS, including games against Sweden on Friday and Canada on Saturday, as well as practices, will serve as the platform for the four remaining goalies to make their case for tournament play. Once their season commences in the fall, each goalie will be under close observation.

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

Kempf, who is set to play at Notre Dame this season, remarked, “Growing up, I watched it a lot. Only now am I beginning to grasp how close I am to being part of it. The real work begins now in my attempt to make the team.”