Team USA Begins Quest for Three-Peat at World Juniors

Team USA's first exhibition game will come on Sunday against Germany at 4 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The U.S. World Junior team has officially began their quest towards a three-peat by holding their first couple of practices in Duluth.

Team USA is one of three teams, joining Finland and Germany, that will hold their training sessions at Amsoil Arena till December 23rd.

The red, white, and blue boasts a lot of talent including locals such as Hermantown’s Max Plante and Proctor’s AJ Reyelts.

Plante says he’s been impressed with his teammates in the first few days of the team getting acclimated with one another.

“Obviously, we have experience playing together. I think that’s definitely a huge thing that our team factors in. Also, we’re a very hungry group. We have a group that wants to win. We’re not getting to settle with getting 2nd or 3rd in this tournament. And just like how tight we are. I think everyone can keep each other accountable when need be and just have fun with it,” said Plante.

For Reyelts, he says he’s just grateful for the chance to compete with hopes of making the final roster that heads to St. Paul next week.

“You always have someone doubting you or someone who’s thinks you don’t deserve it. But, I think the works starting to show and I’m just happy I was given this opportunity and I’m very grateful for it. You hear stuff like people saying they’re surprised that you’re here but you’re just going to take it day by day and show these guys what you can do and hopefully show the world too,” added Reyelts.

Team USA’s first exhibition game will come on Sunday against Germany at 4 PM.