The 2023 World Junior A Challenge is right around the corner, marking one of the most exciting times of the year and a chance to get a look at some of the top Junior A hockey players from around the world. 

With a rich history dating back to its inception in 2006, the tournament serves as a platform for showcasing the immense talent present in the Junior A hockey sphere. 

It aims to provide players with an opportunity to display their skills and compete at a high level, while also fostering international relations through sport.

This year’s event, which begins Sunday in Truro, Nova Scotia, will feature the United States, two Canadian regional squads – Canada East and Canada West – plus Sweden and Slovakia. 

The U.S. Junior Select Team will look to capture back-to-back gold medals and a tournament-record 10th win at the international event.

USA has won gold for the ninth time in World Junior A Challenge history, beating Canada East 5-2. #WJAC pic.twitter.com/7gw7ruSVxS

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) December 19, 2022

The roster is comprised entirely of USHL players and guided by Waterloo Black Hawks head coach Matt Smaby. You can view the full roster here.

There are six NHL draft picks on Team USA’s roster, highlighted by Columbus Blue Jackets fourth-round pick Andrew Strathmann, who had a goal in this tournament last year. 

Tri-City Storm forward Trevor Connelly is among the Team USA players in their first year of draft eligibility. With plenty of NHL scouts on hand, the tournament provides the opportunity for these prospects to showcase themselves and move up draft boards.

Here’s a look at several of the Team USA players to keep an eye on during the event:

Andrew Strathmann, D, Youngstown Phantoms (CBJ)

Strathmann is one of three players coming back to help Team USA try to capture another gold medal. 

The 5-foot-11, 187-pound blueliner is wildly creative on the power play, consistently moving the puck to get better looks before sending a shot on net. 

The Beach Park, Illinois, native leads all Youngstown defenders with 18 points, including two goals and four assists on the man advantage. 

He had just one goal in this event last year, but I would expect a jump in production for the North Dakota commit. 

Will Felicio, D, Madison Capitols (2024)

Like Strathmann, Felicio is a skilled puck-mover from the back end. 

The University of Denver commit played well on the international stage at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, picking up three goals and five points in five games. 

Felicio’s production in his second season with Madison has not jumped like I thought it would. He has five goals and 13 points, and his shooting volume has been down since the beginning of November. 

Let's see if the young blueliner can find his scoring touch again. 

Trevor Connelly, F, Tri-City Storm (2024)

One of the questions I had coming into this tournament was: who is going to be this year's Cole Knuble? 

At first glance, Connelly appears to be a strong candidate. 

The Providence College commit pretty much did whatever he wanted to and opened a lot of eyes at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. Connelly finished tied for the most points (10) among all skaters in the tournament. 

He’s a creative and highly skilled skater who can create plays from nothing. 

He had a bit of a slow start with the Storm this year, but he has four goals and six points in his last three games, just in time for the WJAC. 

2024 #NHLDraft Watch: @FriarsHockey commit Trevor Connelly stays hot with a crafty goal for the @TriCityStorm in @USHL action. pic.twitter.com/a4OsDh5E6x

— FloHockey (@FloHockey) October 7, 2023

Chris Pelosi, F, Sioux Falls Stampede (BOS)

After going the entire month of November without a goal, Pelosi made up for lost time in the first two games of December, potting four goals, including a hat trick. 

The Boston Bruins third-round pick’s tenacity on the forecheck and ability to win puck battles will be a significant addition to the Team USA roster. 

Mac Swanson, F, Fargo Force (2024)

Swanson is coming off a marvelous rookie campaign in the USHL, in which he potted 55 points in 57 games. 

The North Dakota commit also had a goal and three points at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. 

Swanson is a return player for Team USA in the World Junior A Challenge, and he will look to expand on his five points in six games a year ago. 

Adam Kleber, D, Lincoln Stars (2024)

At 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds, Kleber has a unique combination of size and mobility. 

The Chaska, Minnesota, native has tapped into his offensive potential this season, recording four goals and 10 points in 21 games. 

Kleber’s physicality in the corners and skill on the power play are underrated attributes he also possesses. 

Tory Pitner, D, Youngstown Phantoms (2024)

Speaking of defensemen who have found their scoring touch, Youngstown’s Pitner is second in goals (seven) and fourth in points (16) among USHL blueliners.

The University of Denver commit captained Team USA at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup over the summer, and his leadership should not go unnoticed. 

Pitner should settle into a familiar role alongside Andrew Strathmann, his Phantoms teammate. 

Tory Pitner (2024) has been really impressive this season. Here he is skating into the offensive zone, and ripping a missile from the slot into the back of the net. His sixth of the year. @YtownPhantoms @FloHockey pic.twitter.com/QsJcBsSiVt

— Ryan Sikes (@ryan_sikes10) November 11, 2023

Zam Plante, F, Fargo Force (PIT)

Returning for a third USHL season, Plante has stepped into a big role with the Fargo Force. 

The Pittsburgh Penguins fifth-round pick is tied for the most points (27) and second-most goals (13) after the first weekend in December. 

After recording two goals and four points in the 2022 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, he will look to continue his impressive form in the upcoming tournament.

Kaden Shahan, F, Sioux City Musketeers

With Shahan in the mix, as well, Team USA figures to have no shortage of offense. 

The Sioux City Musketeers forward leads the league by a wide margin with 18 goals, just two shy of last year’s total. 

The University of Connecticut commit has been a significant factor on the power play, racking up four goals and six points. 

The World Junior A Challenge will mark Shahan’s first exposure to wearing the Team USA jersey.

Hampton Slukynsky, G, Fargo Force (LAK)

Another significant question I had going into this tournament was: how would Team USA replace last year’s goaltending duo of Jacob Fowler (MTL) and Christian Manz? 

However, Slukynsky is coming into this tournament with the best goals-against average (1.48) and save percentage (0.928) in the USHL. 

The Los Angeles Kings draft pick has won his last five starts and collected two shutouts over that span.

No surprise here🔨

With 2 shutouts, 51/51 saves, a 0.00GAA and 1.000SV%, @LAKings draft pick @HSlukynsky is your USHL Goalie of the Week!#ForceNation⚡️ | #StarsRise pic.twitter.com/6X89gYbUmv

— Fargo Force (@FargoForce) November 27, 2023