Will Horcoff joins Team USA for 2025 World Junior Championship chase
Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Will Horcoff will represent Team USA at the 2025 World Junior Championship. The young forward joins a squad aiming for a third straight gold after victories in 2023 and 2024. His selection follows a standout season in the NCAA, where he leads all players with 19 goals in just 20 games.
Horcoff’s path to the national team has been impressive. Currently topping the NCAA scoring charts, he has 28 points in 20 games, placing him second overall. His performance caught the attention of USA Hockey, earning him a spot on the roster for the upcoming tournament in Sweden.
The 2024 World Junior Championship saw the United States dominate, defeating Sweden 6-2 in Gothenburg to claim gold. Rutger McGroarty, a key player in that victory, led the team with nine points (five goals, four assists) in seven matches. McGroarty and Horcoff share a long history, having grown up together in Detroit and played for the Honeybaked Hockey Club. McGroarty has publicly backed his former teammate, urging Horcoff to make an impact. 'Go score a couple of goals,' he said, encouraging him to help secure another gold for Team USA. The Americans now turn their focus to the quarterfinals, where they will face Finland on January 2 at 6 PM Eastern Time.
The United States enters the 2025 tournament as defending champions, with Horcoff adding firepower to their lineup. His NCAA success and McGroarty’s past leadership suggest a strong campaign ahead. The team’s next challenge comes against Finland in a knockout match set for early January.
