At just 16 years old, Joey Cullen was by far USA’s most talented forward, even in a high-intensity semifinal matchup.
He always keeps his head up, scanning the ice for the right pass, and once he gets a good look, he has the elite hockey sense to know where everyone is and where they are going, allowing him to make plays before others can see them develop.
He recorded a secondary assist on USA’s opening power-play goal. While he did not directly create the goal, he showed good poise with the puck, waiting until the right pass opened up. Though that was his last point, it was far from the last time he contributed offensively.
On another play, he set up Gunnar Conboy with a completely open net, but Conboy missed. Cullen was also trusted to be a focal point of the American power play when he was on the ice.
Another thing that impressed me was his ability to stay with plays even when they broke down. He was constantly able to recover and get to loose pucks before defenders.
What began as a hesitant first period with both teams feeling each other out quickly erupted into a shooting gallery for the rest of the game.
The first goal came shortly after the first intermission when Sammy Nelson stole the puck and took off to the races, beating Lukas Beckman low glove side for the shorthanded tally.
Minutes later, following a dominant shift that included a breakaway attempt, Cole Reschny was rewarded when his shot deflected off teammate Dima Zhilkin and in to give Canada a 2-1 lead.
Then the USA rallied back, scoring 4 unanswered goals to close out the second period. Ethan Wyttenbach potted 2 back-to-back goals in tight, one of which was on the power play. Then Sean Barnhill scored from long distance on a seeing-eye shot before Brooks Rogowski showed off his speed going end to end and blasting one blocker side to beat Lukas Beckman.
The Americans didn’t slow down in the third. Wyatt Cullen picked up the period’s opening goal when a broken-up 2-on-1 pass bounced right back onto his stick. Blake Fiddler then capped off the scoring following an extended sequence of zone pressure in the Canadian end.
Team USA closed out the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase with an emphatic 7-2 victory over Canada.
Both teams will now shift their focus to Edmonton and Red Deer, where they’ll look to carry this momentum onto the podium in search of gold.
Standouts:
Carter Sanderson – Brooks Rogowski – Mason West (USA)
What’s the quote again? “All for one and one for all?” In all seriousness, what a standout performance from this entire unit. Setting the tone from the opening puck drop, they were physical, skilled, and relentless, helping Team USA find its offensive groove in the second period. The trio combined for five points while wearing down the Canadian defence all night.
Again. This entire line has been exceptional all tournament long. While it remains to be seen if coaching keeps them together come December, this showcase proved the Americans have a legitimate top line capable of doing serious damage. Combining for another eight points tonight, they made a compelling case to stay intact for the main event.
Cole Reschny (Canada | Calgary Flames)
One of the few highlights for Canada, Reschny flashed his high-end skill during a dominant second-period shift, one of the best of the entire tournament. He split the defenders with speed to create a prime scoring opportunity before picking up an assist 30 seconds later, shooting it off Zhilkin and in. Reschny will need to be a major presence if Canada wants to succeed in Edmonton.
Team Sweden defeated Team USA 5-2 in comeback fashion on Day 4 of the World Junior Summer Showcase.
Sweden started red-hot in the opening frame, generating several high-quality chances while outshooting Team USA 10-3, but the game remained scoreless.
In the second period, the Americans bounced back in a big way. Carter Amico appeared to open the scoring when he found the back of the net on a long-range shot, but the goal was quickly called back due to a crease violation.
Carter Amico (USA | #LetsGoFlyers) fires one home for what would’ve been Team USA’s first goal of the game.
Undeterred, Team USA kept the pressure on and capitalized on two quick goals shortly after. LJ Mooney put the US on the board with his first goal of the showcase on a play in tight, roofing the puck over the goaltender. Just 38 seconds later, Nick Bogas beat Måns Goos with a wrist shot from the point to give the Americans a 2-0 lead.
Sweden refused to back down, though. Linus Funck found the back of the net through a heavy screen on the power play, bringing Sweden back within a goal before the end of the second period.
Early in the third, Team USA earned an extended 5-on-3 power play, but Sweden successfully killed it off. The momentum generated by that kill carried over immediately: Funck scored his second of the game shortly after, rifling one over the shoulder of Ryan Cameron to tie it up. Torkel Jennersjö then won a faceoff draw and capitalized to give Sweden its first lead of the contest.
Both teams will enjoy a day off tomorrow before the final day of Showcase action on Saturday, where Sweden will face Finland and the Americans will take on Canada.
Standouts:
G Ryan Cameron (USA | Edmonton Oilers)
Not dressed in yesterday’s game, we weren’t sure if Cameron would be on the official US merged roster, but given the start today, we were quickly reminded why he deserved to be. Cameron displayed strong lateral movement and made several A-grade saves throughout the game, helping the US survive the Swedish onslaught, especially during that tough first period.
F Torkel Jennersjö (SWE | 2027 Draft Eligible)
Jennersjö was just about everywhere today. Finding the scoresheet, he jammed one home in the dirty area while also tallying an empty-net goal in which he outskated the American defender the full length of the ice. On the defensive side, he looked strong as well, rarely being caught out of position on the wing and getting into the lanes when needed.
D Henry Brzustewicz (USA | Los Angeles Kings)
It was another strong day for Brzustewicz in this one. He hasn’t found his offensive game quite like we’d expect, but his defensive work has more than made up for it. With Chase Reid and Tommy Bleyl likely driving the offensive opportunities for the American blueline, Brzustewicz playing a steady, reliable defensive game could be the exact reason he makes the final roster in December.
D Linus Funck (SWE | Colorado Avalanche)
By way of scoring two big goals for Team Sweden, Funck is an obvious standout from today. A guy who isn’t well known for an offensive goal-scoring presence, Funck really stepped up today while also playing a solid defensive game.
Team Finland edged out Team USA 3-2 to begin Day 3 of the World Junior Summer Showcase after a practice day on Tuesday.
Although Tuesday morning’s official announcement for USA’s merged roster never came, we did see the players who are now left take the ice today. Given that this showcase is a precursor to the World Junior tournament, making this merged roster goes a long way to making the official 25-man roster.
After a back-and-forth start to the game, Vilho Vanhatalo scored on the breakaway after a missed breakaway attempt by Ethan Wyttenbach, putting Finland on the board.
From that goal onward, the USA was in complete control through the rest of the first period. Ethan Wyttenbach scored on a long-distance shot through traffic to tie the game with 4:54 left in the period.
The second period was very similar to the end of the first, with the US dominating the pace of play and Finland counterattacking when the opportunity presented itself.
Mikey Berchild jammed one home on the power play early into the second period, but the play was reviewed and later overturned due to the US entering the zone offside.
Finland was on their back foot most of the period, but a long-distance shot from Jesse Parssinen kicked out a rebound directly onto the stick of Ilari Kapanen, who shot it in, giving Finland the 2-1 lead.
The bad rebound luck continued for the US with Eetu Orpana finding the loose puck off a Chase Reid blocked shot, making a quick cutback move, and firing it past Harrison Boettiger.
The third period was much more competitive, with different exchanges of both teams dominating the pace of play and their looks. With Finland on the power play, the puck got rimmed around the boards, and Sammy Nelson outskated the Finnish backchecker to get to the puck first, shooting it past Patrik Kerkola to bring the game within a goal.
Although the US pushed Finland to the brink, they could not beat Kerkola in the end, and Finland took home the victory 3-2.
Team USA will play Sweden tomorrow at 3 p.m. EDT, while Finland will take on Canada at 7 p.m. EDT/ 2 a.m. EEST
Standouts:
F Ethan Wyttenbach (USA | Calgary Flames)
Team USA’s entire top line with Wyttenbach, Cullen and Berchild was incredible, but the standout performance again today was Wyttenbach, who continued as the offensive catalyst for Team USA. Scoring a goal and generating numerous high-quality chances throughout the game, it felt like a different team whenever Wyttenbach and his line jumped over the boards.
F Carter Sanderson (USA | Pittsburgh Penguins)
After scoring a hat trick in his opening game and adding another goal in his second, Sanderson was one of the most deserving players to make this US merged team, and today he rewarded the decision with another strong game. Creating opportunities with his speed and size, he had a number of high-quality looks while taking care of his responsibilities in his own end.
F Sammy Nelson (USA | 2027 Draft Eligible)
Turning out to be Team USA’s MVP of the game, Nelson put together another strong performance for the US squad, picking up a shorthanded goal in the process. The expected top 5 pick at the 2027 NHL draft will look to continue his strong showcase ahead of the World Junior tournament that could propel him into the top 3.
G Patrik Kerkola (FIN | 2027 Draft Eligible)
Strong goaltending will, like always, play a major factor in Team Finland’s success when they embark upon Edmonton and Red Deer. Today we saw a solid all-around performance from Kerkola, who strung together some key saves late in the game to give Finland the victory. If Kerkola can continue to play the way he did at the end of this game, the Finns might just be able to pull off the miracle and return to gold for the first time since 2019.
F Eetu Orpana (FIN | 2027 Draft Eligible)
It was another strong game from Orpana tonight on both ends of the ice. On the offensive side, he was all around it, picking up the eventual game-winning goal in the process. On the defensive side, he was lights out, in one instance chasing down Carter Sanderson back the full length of the ice to deny the American the chance.
Carter Sanderson (USA | #Pens) comes out of the box for another breakaway opportunity. A solid back check and late stick lift from Eetu Orpana (FIN | 2027 Draft Eligible) to deny him the goal.#WJSS | #WJCShowcase | @DraftProHockeypic.twitter.com/GZd6ewUbv5
Day 2 of the World Junior Summer Showcase kicked off with the two best teams from Day 1 facing off, seeing USA Blue take down Finland 5-1.
As they did in Game 1, Finland came out of the gates hot, controlling much of the play and generating a handful of high-quality chances.
Ryan Cameron, who started for USA Blue, was perfect through his opening period and a half, being a key reason why the game remained knotted at zeros through the opening frame.
It was just past the 30-minute mark when we saw the opening goal of the game, this time coming off the stick of Ethan Wyttenbach, scoring on the breakaway past the glove of Juuso Ainasto.
After a strong forecheck from Wyatt Cullen, which knocked the puck off of Max Laatikainen’s stick, Wyttenbach picked it up and fired it home for his second of the game.
Wyttenbach put together another great performance today after yesterday’s game, where he tallied 3 assists en route to a 6-1 win for USA Blue. Today we saw the goal-scoring side come out for him, potting 2 goals en route to the win for USA Blue.
F Aapo Katavisto (FIN | 2027 Draft Eligible)
Yesterday, we highlighted Katavisto as a standout performer for what he did with the puck, collecting a goal and an assist on the day. Today we saw a more complete game, getting into lanes, blocking shots, and playing very well defensively throughout the game, a role you can expect him to play on the main roster come December.
D Vertti Svensk (FIN | Los Angeles Kings)
An extremely strong skater, we saw Svensk continue to control the pace of play around him throughout today’s game. If he can use his speed and edges to get around defenders while also continuing to play well defensively, he could emerge as a minute leader for this Finnish team as they continue the showcase.
G Ryan Cameron (USA | Edmonton Oilers)
What previously felt like a set goaltending rotation for the United States could become much more interesting after Cameron’s performance today. The 221st overall pick was lights-out today for USA Blue, with strong positioning, the ability to battle through screens, and good lateral movement. Whether Cameron has done enough through 2 separate 30-minute appearances to make the merged US roster, which will be decided tomorrow, still remains to be seen, but there will be plenty of excitement with what he’s been able to do.
The World Junior Summer Showcase continued with Team USA Blue taking down Sweden 6-1 in dominant fashion at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario.
Coming off a 4-goal first period for Finland in the earlier game, it felt like both teams were trying to match it, with chances being traded both ways throughout the opening frame.
It took 16 minutes before Carter Sanderson recorded the first goal of the game off a beautiful setup play from Wyatt Cullen.
Despite the first period ending with only 9 total shots on net, there were plenty of high-quality chances generated throughout.
A great chance for Isac Nilsson (SWE | 2027 Draft Eligible) to wrap up the first period. Team USA Blue will take the 1-0 lead into the intermission.#WJSS#WJCShowcasepic.twitter.com/C3E0oM09JV
Goaltenders close your eyes… Brooks Rogowski (USA | #Canucks) puts the US up by 3 goals after a bank shot off the back board. pic.twitter.com/SgeBITF4Gq
It didn’t take long into the third period for Sweden to respond. After two US turnovers, Theo Stockselius deposited it into the back of the net to bring the Swedes back within 2.
That didn’t last long! Theo Stockselius (SWE | #Flames) gets Sweden on the board after a beautiful passing play early in the 3rd! pic.twitter.com/x980AiVUH5
Both teams will be back tomorrow with USA Blue taking on Finland at 3 p.m. EDT / 10 p.m. EEST and Sweden taking on USA White at 7 p.m. EDT / 1 a.m. CEST.
The Standouts:
Brooks Rogowski
When you think of Rogowski’s 6’7”, 236lbs frame, speed wouldn’t be the first thing you’d expect, but it’s easily one of the most impressive parts of his game. He uses his sneaky speed to slip by defenders and get into the danger areas around the crease. If he can play like he did today throughout the upcoming season, he’ll be a lineup lock for Boxing Day.
Carter Sanderson
Sanderson felt like someone who was in the right place at the right time all day today. Capping off his day with a hat trick, he’s going to be one of the most intriguing players to watch as the showcase progresses.
Wyatt Cullen
A guy who we talked about in our preview of the tournament, Cullen was outstanding today. A beautiful skating play to set up USA Blue’s first goal while also getting a goal of his own towards the end of the game, it felt like a different USA team when he was on the ice.
Tommy Bleyl
A tremendous skater who continues to show his talents on the big stage. Going coast to coast and jamming in a goal that ended up being called back for goaltender interference, Bleyl will be a must-watch player come December.
Theo Stockselius
One of the few highlights from this game for the Swedes, Stockselius generated a number of chances and picked up a goal as a silver lining on an otherwise disappointing day.
The World Junior Summer Showcase kicked off with a bang Sunday afternoon, with Team Finland taking down Team USA White 4-1 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario.
Finland came out of the gates flying, taking only 22 seconds to get on the board with a goal from Jeremi Virtanen.
It didn’t stop there for Team Finland; Aapo Vanninen tipped in a shot from Jesper Kotajarvi at the blue line some three minutes later to give the Finns a two-goal lead.
The Finns kept pouring it on from there; Aapo Katavisto scored off his own breakaway rebound, and then Jere Somervuori jammed home a rebound to take a 4-0 lead into the intermission.
In the second period, we saw the return of USA White. Brent Solomon one-timed it home from a beautiful pass from Teddy Mutryn to get USA White on the board.
You could feel the desperation set in for the USA White team throughout the third period, but Finland remained sound defensively and secured the win, taking it 4-1.
Both teams will be back tomorrow with Finland taking on USA Blue at 3 p.m. EDT / 10 p.m. EEST and USA White taking on Sweden at 7 p.m. EDT / 1 a.m. CEST.
The Standouts:
F Aapo Katavisto (Finland | 2027 Draft Eligible)
It was a very strong opening game of the World Junior Summer Showcase for Katavisto. The 6’0”, 183-pound winger was a force all game long, creating high-quality chances with his speed and grit whenever he stepped on the ice. He finished the game tied for the point lead with 1 goal and 1 assist for 2 points.
G Jester Rossi (Finland | 2027 Draft Eligible)
Rossi had a busy game in this one and looked very strong. In what is expected to be a fierce competition for the starter’s net, Rossi put together a very strong case in today’s game as to why he should be the starter for Finland come Boxing Day.
G Ryder Fetterolf (USA | Carolina Hurricanes)
Starting on the bench for today’s game, Fetterolf was not on my bingo card to be a standout for today. Coming in for Xavier Wendt after a four-goal first period, Fetterolf was a key reason why this game remained as close as it did right to the end. Utilizing strong edges and good positioning, Fetterolf looked good throughout his 40 minutes of action, and with a projected start on Monday, he will look to solidify his spot on the merged team in hopes of making the World Juniors team come December.
