EJ Emery Selected for Team USA WJC Preliminary Roster

As the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship approaches, the nations participating are going through the motions of finalizing their rosters. Team USA announced its preliminary roster today, and New York Rangers prospect EJ Emery has made the cut.

Team USA will hold its training camp from Dec. 15-23, with the final roster to be announced on Dec. 24. Emery has yet to make a World Junior team, as he was one of the final cuts from last year's squad. This year, the highly mobile defender's chances are better since it will be his last year of eligibility, and he will be one of the older players in the tournament if selected.

Emery has faced significant criticism for his freshman year at the University of North Dakota. While he's always been praised for his defensive acumen and ability, only recording one assist in 31 games was a concerning statistic for his potential to develop into an NHL player. This year, he's off to a better start, scoring two goals and four points in 13 games.

While Emery has his sights set on representing the Americans at the World Junior Championship, the Rangers have another prospect who may be selected to represent his own country in the international tournament. Malcolm Spence, a freshman at University of Michigan, is seen as a fringe player for Team Canada due to their incredible depth. Spence has the skill and tenacity to be a contributor to Team Canada, but many projected rosters have him as the odd man out this year. We'll be sure to keep you apprised as news of the World Juniors rosters are released.