October 27, 2003
Collegians highlight U.S. National Junior Team

Twelve college players and one former college player highlight the 16-man preliminary roster for the 2004 U.S. National Junior Team, released Monday by USA Hockey. The team will compete in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, held Dec. 26 to Jan. 5 in Finland.

Colorado College, Maine and Wisconsin lead all schools with two players each on the team, which will be coached by Wisconsin head coach Mike Eaves. Boston College sophomore forward Patrick Eaves, Mike's son, is also among the initial selections. The one ex-collegian is Ryan Kesler, a former Ohio State player who signed with the Vancouver Canucks over the summer and is currently with the AHL's Manitoba Moose.

"A large core of the players we announced today have already played in the World Junior Championship," said Eaves. "They will bring solid experience, which will be a key factor when we compete in the tournament this year."

USA Hockey will announce the final 22-man roster on Dec. 2. Two collegians – Michigan's Jeff Tambellini and North Dakota's Brady Murray – participated in Canada's National Junior Team Evaluation Camp over the summer. The Canadians will announce their roster in December.

2004 U.S. National Junior Team Preliminary Roster