PLYMOUTH, Mich. — The U.S. National Junior Team is determined to win the World Junior Championship for the first time in its history, two years in a row.

The topic was a hot topic for U.S. players and coach David Carle at this week’s World Junior Summer Expo at the USA Hockey Arena.

“It’s never been done before (by the United States), so if we can be the first group to do it, it would mean the world,” forward Gabe Perreault (New York Rangers) said. “I think we have a good group, so I think we’ll definitely have a chance and we’re all looking forward to it.”

The United States won the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship by defeating Sweden 6–2 in the gold medal game in Gothenburg, Sweden, on January 5. This was their sixth title in the tournament (2021, 2017, 2013, 2010, 2004) and their second in the last four years.

They will aim to repeat the same success at the 2025 World Junior Championships to be held in Ottawa from December 26 to January 5, 2025.

The U.S. has twice finished no better than third after winning gold the previous year (2018, 2011).

“(It’s) at or near the top of our list,” Carle said. “USA Hockey has been on an incredible run in this event for the last 20 years. We talked a lot about last year and the 20th anniversary of the first gold medal. Now, to have five medals since then and six total medals… I think it’s always an opportunity to just plant our flag and show that we believe we’re the best hockey nation in the world, so that’s part of (our motivation).

“It’s hard to win the first time, but even harder the second time.”

The U.S. won the 2024 WJC with seven straight wins, outscoring their opponents 45–15. It was only the third U.S. team to finish the tournament undefeated (2004, 2017) and the 15th time the Americans have medaled at the World Juniors.

“I think it would be really special to win back-to-back games,” forward Ryan Leonard (Washington Capitals) said. “We’ve talked about it a lot over the last couple of days. Of course you want to make history and you want to engrave yourself in as much memory as possible.

“If we can achieve this we would be very grateful and it would be a moment we will never forget.”

Carle certainly had a hot hand behind the bench last year. The 34-year-old won his second NCAA national championship with the University of Denver in April, three months after winning his first WJC.

Denver defensive end Zeev Buium (Minnesota Wild) is one of eight players returning for the United States at the Summer Showcase. The 18-year-old has enjoyed the journey with his mentor Carle.

“He’s a great coach,” Buium said. “He knows how to balance his time on and off the ice. He comes to talk to you, to get to know you. He’s so respected on the ice and everyone listens to what he says. He’s the smartest coach I’ve ever had and I love playing for him.”

John Vanbiesbrouck, serving his seventh term as U.S. general manager, was adamant in his decision to bring Carle back to the team for a second consecutive term.

“David is a winner and probably one of the best coaches in college hockey,” Vanbiesbrouck said. “I know everybody speculates where he’s going to go after college, but for us, we need to have leadership, consistency, come back and win gold again. He pointed out the fact that nobody’s coming back again, so I said, ‘You could be the first.’”

In addition to Buium, Perreault and Leonard, goalies Trey Augustine (Detroit Red Wings) and Sam Hillebrandt (2025 draft eligible), defenseman Drew Fortescue (New York Rangers) and forwards Oliver Moore (Chicago Blackhawks) and Danny Nelson (New York Islanders) are also returning.

“I think every group is different,” Carle said. “I think there will be slight changes and differences, but overall there will be a lot of similarities in how we prepare and want to play. I think the strengths of the player pool are very similar to a year ago, and we have certain beliefs that we need to play to win that are non-negotiable in my opinion regardless of the player pool.

“We’re going to work to find our strengths and weaknesses and what we need to do as a team. We have a competitive group and they really want to be a part of something special. We’re looking forward to building that continuity and that level of trust.”