Beniers, Cooley to represent Team USA at World Juniors

Matthew Beniers, the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft by the Seattle Kraken, will lead Team USA into the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship.

He had three points (one goal, two assists) in seven games to help Team USA to gold at the tournament last year.

Beniers, 19, has 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) in 20 games as a sophomore with Michigan this season.

“Beniers’ shooting and finishing ability has taken a step since last season but it’s his off the puck work in the offensive zone that has impressed a lot this year,” FCHockey scout Austin Broad said. “He exploits the soft spots in the defensive coverage and has consistently been able to open himself up in prime scoring positions, allowing him to use his shot with little, or no pressure from the opposition.”

Beniers is one of six first-round picks on Team USA.

Luke Hughes was selected with the No. 4 pick in the 2021 draft by the New Jersey Devils, and Matthew Coronato was selected13th overall by the Calgary Flames. Chaz Lucius went 18th overall to the Winnipeg Jets and Mackie Samoskevich was selected with the No. 24 pick by the Florida Panthers. Jake Sanderson was the No. 5 pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.

Logan Cooley, 17, is a projected top-five pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.

“Cooley is one of the best U20 players the USA has to offer,” Broad said. “The team has good forward depth, but lacks a true superstar, so I think there’s a real chance for Cooley to emerge as a go-to guy for Team USA.”

He has 30 points (14 goals, 16 assists) in 20 games for the US National Team Development Program this season.

“While it’s not a lock that he starts with a significant role, Cooley is too talented of a player to not play a ton of minutes for the USA. With his offensive upside and two-way prowess I expect him to be one of the team’s top performers at the tournament.”

Here’s a rundown of Team USA’s roster for the World Juniors: