It’s official. Tanner Laczynski is temporarily trading his scarlet and gray for red, white, and blue. The standout Buckeye rookie survived Team USA’s final roster cuts and earned the opportunity to represent his country at this year’s IIHF World Junior Championship.
| date | time | USA wjc schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Dec. 26 | 3:30 p.m. | vs. Latvia |
| Dec. 28 | 7:30 p.m. | vs. Slovakia |
| Dec. 29 | 3:30 p.m. | vs. Russia |
| Dec. 31 | 3:30 p.m. | vs. Canada |
| Jan. 2 | TBD | Quarterfinals |
| Jan. 4 | TBD | Semifinals |
| Jan. 5 | 3:30 p.m. | Bronze Medal Game |
| 8:00 p.m. | Gold Medal Game |
Laczynski becomes the sixth Ohio State player to compete for Team USA at the WJC. Previous Buckeye-Americans include R.J. Umberger and Dave Steckel (2001 and 2002), Ryan Kesler (2003 and 2004), Tom Fritsche (2006), and Joseph Palmer (2008).
The OSU delegate skated on the fourth line in Team USA's two pre-tournament exhibition contests. On both occasions he centered Kiefer Bellows (Boston U.) and Joey Anderson (Minnesota-Duluth). He picked up an assist in last night’s 4-0 victory over the Czech Republic.
Laczynski was on the Americans’ radar before coming to Columbus but he really improved his stock in the first half of the college hockey season. At the mid season break he is the leading scorer for No. 9/10 Ohio State with 22 points (6g, 16a) and the second highest scoring rookie in college hockey.
The fantastic freshman is one of 19 NCAA players to make Team USA. The squad includes three other Big Ten skaters. Defensemen Ryan Lindgren (Minnesota) and Joe Cecconi (Michigan) patrol the blue line. Forward Luke Kunin (Wisconsin) serves as team captain.
The Americans begin their WJC campaign on December 26 against Latvia. Group B’s round robin match ups continue throughout the week and conclude on December 31 when the Americans face arch-rival Canada. All of Team USA’s games air live on NHL Network.
Additional Team USA Notes
- Columbus native and former Miami RedHawk Jack Roslovic is on loan to Team USA from the AHL's Manitoba Moose.
- Buckeye fans may recognize alliterative U.S. forwards Troy Terry (Denver) and Tage Thompson (Connecticut) as well as Slovakian goaltender Adam Huska (Connecticut). Ohio State crossed paths with them earlier this season.
- The Americans’ roster is notable for its inclusion of nine Boston University/Boston College players and its seemingly insane exclusion of Alex DeBrincat.
