Overview
- USA Hockey confirmed a 25-man roster of 14 forwards, eight defensemen and three goaltenders after its final exhibition, with returnees James Hagens, Cole Eiserman and Cole Hutson headlining the group.
- Final cuts included injured Trevor Connelly along with Henry Brzustewicz, Jacob Kvasnicka and Blake Fiddler, and the Americans open against Germany on Dec. 26 in St. Paul under coach Bob Motzko with seven Minnesotans on the team.
- The United States enters as the back-to-back champion and will pursue a third straight gold on home ice.
- Canada arrives seeking a reset under GM Alan Millar and coach Dale Hunter after consecutive quarterfinal exits, carrying multiple returnees and NHL-loaned players into an opening game versus Czechia in Minneapolis.
- The tournament runs Dec. 26–Jan. 5 across Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul and 3M Arena in Minneapolis, and doubles as a key 2026 NHL Draft showcase featuring prospects such as Gavin McKenna, Keaton Verhoeff, Viggo Björck and Chase Reid.