USA Hockey announced the 22-man roster ( 8 returnees from last year's Gold Medal winning team) that will compete at this year's IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo, New York. The team is comprised of 14 NCAA players, 4 AHL players (3 of whom previously competed in the NCAA), and 4 Canadian Hockey League players.

The USA World Junior Team is led by Yale University head coach Keith Allain - assisting him will be Ohio State head coach Mark Osiecki and Stillwater, Minnesota High School head coach Phil Housley. "I'm excited with this group of guys moving forward," said Keith Allain, "We've got good speed and talent across the board, which should help us in a tournament with so many skilled teams." Last year's thrilling overtime victory over Canada has Canadians and Americans alike anxiously anticipating a USA ? Canada Gold Medal rematch on Wednesday January 5, 2011.

With 8 returning players from last year's roster coupled with a great mix of skill, speed, and home ice advantage, the U.S. is primed to make another great run at a World Junior Championship.

USA opens the tournament against Finland on Sunday the 26th of December. Each team will play 4 round robin games before the elimination round begins on January 2nd.

The 2011 U.S. National Junior Team:

Goaltenders- Jack Campbell, Andy Iles

Defensemen- Brian Dumoulin, Justin Faulk, Derek Forbort, Nick Leddy, Jon Merrill, John Ramage, Patrick Wey

Forwards- Nick Bjugstad, Ryan Bourque, Chris Brown, Mitch Callahan, Charlie Coyle, Jerry D'Amigo, Emerson Etem, Chris Kreider, Jeremy Morin, Brock Nelson, Kyle Palmieri, Drew Shore, Jason Zucker