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Blackhawks prospect makes preliminary Team USA camp roster ahead of 2026 World Juniors

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Sam Walker
December 1, 2025 (12:27)

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A.J. Spellacy has earned a coveted invite to the preliminary roster for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship-a big step for the Chicago Blackhawks' top prospect and a boost of confidence for fans.

The U.S. unveiled its 28-player camp roster on Monday, setting the stage for training camp in Duluth, Minnesota.

Spellacy's inclusion signals faith in his development following a strong season with the Windsor Spitfires. He joins a deep forward group that blends skill, size, and some returning familiar faces.

The U.S. roster now appears stacked with talent and potential, giving hope for a serious third-straight gold-medal run.

USA Hockey is targeting final roster cuts by Dec. 24 ahead of pre-tournament games vs. Germany and Finland at AMSOIL Arena.

Blackhawks' Spellacy among elite US hopefuls for upcoming World Juniors

Expectations will be high for Spellacy if he sticks. He'll likely compete for a bottom-six wing spot-but with his shot and speed, he could earn more. Having a CHI-drafted player in the mix gives Hawks fans something real to cheer about.

The preliminary 2026 Team USA World Junior camp roster:

Forwards: Kamil Bednarik; Trevor Connelly; Cole Eiserman; James Hagens; Will Horcoff; Jacob Kvasnicka; Ryker Lee; Cole McKinney; Brendan McMorrow; LJ Mooney; Max Plante; A.J. Spellacy; Teddy Stiga; Shane Vansaghi, and Brodie Ziemer

Defensemen: Asher Barnett; Henry Brzustewicz; EJ Emery; Blake Fiddler; Logan Hensler; Cole Hutson; Adam Kleber; Luke Osburn; Chase Reid, and Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen

Goalies: Caleb Heil; Nick Kempf, and AJ Reyelts

Spellacy now has a real shot to show what he can do on the international stage.

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Fans believed that Spellacy was going to make the Blackhawks roster after an impressive training camp in Chicago this past summer, but he was ultimately assigned to the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins.

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DECEMBRE 1 \| 98 ANSWERS Blackhawks prospect makes preliminary Team USA camp roster ahead of 2026 World Juniors Do you think A.J. Spellacy will make the final Team USA roster for the World Juniors?
Yes	65	66.3 %
No	33	33.7 %
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Blackhawks prospect makes preliminary Team USA camp roster ahead of 2026 World Juniors

A.J. Spellacy has earned a coveted invite to the preliminary roster for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship-a big step for the Chicago Blackhawks' top prospect and a boost of confidence for fans.

Blackhawks' Spellacy among elite US hopefuls for upcoming World Juniors

Do you think A.J. Spellacy will make the final Team USA roster for the World Juniors?