LJ Mooney and what we learned from Day 6 of the U18 Worlds

LJ Mooney is immensely skilled.

He’s also one of the most polarizing prospect in the 2025 NHL Draft class.

Mooney, no. 77 in FCHockey’s Spring ranking for the 2025 draft, isn’t concerned about anyone that doubts what he can bring on the ice, though.

“I don’t think it really matters,” Mooney said about any detractors. “Yeah, it definitely fuels me a little bit, but I’ve always dealt with that growing up.”

What makes Mooney an interesting prospect for so many comes down to his tantalizing raw skill and his very small frame. He stands at 5-foot-6 and 146 pounds, which brings in a lot of doubt. What removes some of that for others is the amount of pure skill Mooney, who had 39 points (eight goals, 31 assists) in 42 games with the US National Team Development Program this season, is able to put on display. 

“Ahh, it’s just fun standing in the crease and watching him do his thing in the offensive zone and knowing a lot of the time it’s going to go in the net.” said NTDP goaltender Joey Slavick, who has had a front-row seat to Mooney’s exploits on the international stage yet again at the 2025 IIHF World Under-18 Championship.

Mooney’s size certainly has not slowed him down in the slightest at the U18 Worlds.

The 18-year-old has scored eight points (one goal, seven assists) in the four group stage games, with highlight reel moments littered throughout his games.

It’s been the stage he’s been waiting for all season long.

“Just looking forward to it the whole year,” Mooney said. “It’s our Stanley Cup. We look forward to it all year, so you just work towards it. I mean, you have to be ready for it. Pretty pumped to play here. Pretty lucky to put on the USA jersey every day.

“Can’t not be pumped up to play.”

Top Performances

Filip Ekberg continues to roll out strong performances for Sweden. Ekberg had two goals — showing off his strong shooting abilities — and created chaos as a forechecker, generated several opportunities for himself and his linemates in what was a pretty sloppy 7-3 win over Czechia. 

Dustin Willhoft turned in an absolutely electric performance in Germany’s 5-3 setback against Team USA. Willhoft, his side’s strongest performer through the round robin at the U18 Worlds, was all over Team USA defenders, keeping them on their heels with his speed and edges. Willhoft was always moving his feet and getting involved in plays time and time again. 

Team USA’s win was fueled by Richard Gallant. He played a very physical game — despite his smaller frame — and gave the German blueliners fits. His speed and shiftiness allowed him to be a difference-maker in a tough game for the rest of the American squad. 

Quotable

“He’s super skilled, super crafty. You know when you give him the puck, he’s going to make a high percentage play. It’s cool to be able to play with guys like him and have those great talents on your team.” — Blake Fiddler on Mooney

Scouting report

“Atte Joki is a two-way, shutdown centerman who plays a high-pressure style of game on a consistent basis. What I love about him is his compete level and his ability to create pressure with his checking, using his stick defensively as a center, on the penalty kill and pretty much in all situations. He is also really good at connecting plays with his wingers, who are usually more skilled on the puck than he is, but his details are excellent. I really like his game. Unsure where he would actually land on our final ranking list, but I really do like him and his potential heading into the 2025 draft, where he could potentially be a middle-to-late round selection.” — FCHockey chief scout Samuel Tirpak

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