December 4, 2002
Collegians highlight U.S. National Junior Team

Seventeen college players highlight the 22-man roster for the 2003 U.S. National Junior Team, released Wednesday by USA Hockey. The team will compete in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, held Dec. 26 to Jan. 5 in Nova Scotia, Canada.

North Dakota leads all colleges with three selections, including high-scoring forward Zach Parise. Boston College, Colorado College, Maine, Michigan and Minnesota each had two players named to the team. Along with the 17 collegians selected, one 2003 recruit – defenseman Ryan Suter, who has committed to Wisconsin – was chosen.

In addition, one current college player – Cornell goaltender Dave LeNeveu – has been invited to Team Canada's selection camp. LeNeveu is one of four goaltenders competing for a spot on Canada's roster.

Lou Vairo, USA Hockey Director of Special Projects, will coach the U.S. team, with former Wisconsin coach Jeff Sauer, Mike Hastings and Ron Rolston serving as assistants.

"It was a very difficult decision-making process, but one that was based on the performance of all eligible candidates since last August's U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp through today," said Vairo.

The 2003 U.S. National Junior Team opens play at the IIHF World Junior Championship on Dec. 26 against Russia, the defending gold medalist, and also plays Switzerland, Belarus and Slovakia in the Preliminary Round. After round-robin play, the second- and third-seeded teams in the two four-team groups move to the Qualification Round on Jan. 2, with the top seeds in each group advancing to the Semifinal Round on Jan. 3. Qualification Round winners advance to the Semifinal Round against the top seeds, and the Medal Round will take place on Jan. 5.

2003 U.S. National Junior Team