The Future Of USA Hockey: 5 Breakout Stars On The NTDP U17 Team 2025-26 Roster
The anticipation surrounding the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) is always high, but for the 2025-26 season, a new wave of elite talent is ready to take the ice. As of late December 2025, the official roster for the U.S. National Under-17 Team has been finalized, featuring 23 of the top 2009 birth year players from across the United States. This squad represents the pinnacle of American amateur player development, with each player embarking on a two-year journey that is a direct pathway to the NHL Draft and major NCAA Division I programs. The program, based in Plymouth, Michigan, is set to launch its season with a highly competitive schedule, including 38 games in the USHL and three major international tournaments, immediately testing the mettle of these young stars.
This incoming U17 class is already drawing significant buzz from scouts and analysts, having been selected after an intense evaluation camp held earlier this year. The team is composed of 13 forwards, eight defensemen, and two goaltenders, all of whom have foregone traditional junior hockey routes or prep school commitments to join this centralized, elite training environment.
The Complete 2025-26 U.S. National Under-17 Team Roster
The selection process for the NTDP is rigorous, scouting players as young as 13 and 14 to identify those with the highest potential for international and professional success. The 2025-26 U17 team is entirely comprised of players born in the 2009 calendar year, marking them as key prospects for the 2027 NHL Entry Draft.
Here is a look at the full roster, highlighting the key positions and the depth of talent assembled for the upcoming campaign:
Forwards (13)
- Nolan Fitzhenry (Forward, Feb 10, 2009)
- Braden Horton (Forward, Apr 17, 2009)
- Rocco Pelosi (Forward, Jan 19, 2009)
- Freddie Schneider (Forward, Mar 12, 2009)
- Brayden Willis (Forward, Sept 16, 2009)
- Easton Johnson (Forward, May 22, 2009)
- Cannon Thibodeau (Forward, Oct 1, 2009)
- Colin Grubb (Forward, Apr 2, 2009)
- Colton Lien (Forward, Mar 20, 2009)
- Oliver McKinney (Forward, Aug 5, 2009)
- Jack Murtagh (Forward, Mar 25, 2009)
- Jared Miller (Forward, Sept 8, 2009)
- Michael Berchild (Forward, Dec 1, 2009)
Defensemen (8)
- Alexander Milojevic (Defenseman, May 15, 2009)
- Jake Boguniecki (Defenseman, Mar 1, 2009)
- Hudson Salvador (Defenseman, Apr 25, 2009)
- Blake Blad (Defenseman, Jun 10, 2009)
- Nick Miller (Defenseman, Jul 19, 2009)
- Noah Ziskie (Defenseman, Feb 28, 2009)
- Jack Kresl (Defenseman, Apr 5, 2009)
- Sammy Kresl (Defenseman, Apr 5, 2009)
Goaltenders (2)
- Eli Winters (Goaltender, Mar 30, 2009)
- Owen Lepak (Goaltender, May 1, 2009)
The U17 Team’s Grueling 2025-26 Schedule and International Tests
The NTDP U17 schedule is specifically designed to challenge these young players against older, stronger competition, which is a core tenet of the program’s developmental philosophy. The 2025-26 season will see the team compete in a total of 38 regular-season games within the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league. This is a significant step up in competition from the previous year's youth hockey circuit.
The season officially kicks off in September 2025. The U17s will open their campaign at the NAHL Showcase, a major scouting event that draws hundreds of college and professional scouts. Their USHL schedule includes matchups against powerhouse teams like the Youngstown Phantoms and the Muskegon Lumberjacks, providing a constant test of their skills and team cohesion.
Beyond the USHL, the U17 team’s most crucial development comes from its participation in three major international tournaments. These events allow the players to compete against the best under-17 national teams in the world, providing invaluable experience in a short-tournament format, which is critical for future World Junior Championship success. While the specific tournaments are confirmed annually, they typically include events like the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, which is a major scouting opportunity for the NHL.
Top Prospects and Players to Watch for the 2027 NHL Draft
The 2009 birth year class is already being heavily scrutinized by NHL Central Scouting, and a handful of players on the 2025-26 NTDP U17 roster are being touted as potential first-round selections for the 2027 NHL Entry Draft. The program’s success in developing players like Jack Hughes, Auston Matthews, and Cole Caufield means all eyes will be on Plymouth, Michigan, to see which young stars emerge.
One of the most talked-about prospects is forward Rocco Pelosi. Known for his high-end offensive instincts and playmaking ability, Pelosi is expected to be a key driver of the U17 offense. His ability to control the pace of the game and execute high-skill plays under pressure makes him an immediate standout. Another forward generating significant buzz is Nolan Fitzhenry, whose combination of size and speed is highly coveted by NHL scouts.
On the blue line, the defensive corps is anchored by players like Alexander Milojevic and Jake Boguniecki. Milojevic, in particular, is noted for his strong two-way game, blending offensive rushes with reliable defensive zone coverage. The role of the defensemen in the NTDP system is often a high-pressure one, requiring them to join the rush and contribute offensively, which will test their decision-making skills throughout the season.
In goal, the tandem of Eli Winters and Owen Lepak will be under the microscope. Goaltending development at the NTDP is crucial, and the pressure of facing older USHL shooters is designed to accelerate their growth. Winters, who previously played for Fox Motors 15O, has already committed to the University of Wisconsin, highlighting the high pedigree of the netminders selected.
The NTDP’s Developmental Philosophy and Future Impact
The National Team Development Program is more than just a collection of elite players; it is a comprehensive system designed to transform top youth players into professional-ready athletes. The players live together, attend school together, and train under a unified coaching staff, creating a unique, high-intensity environment. This centralized approach is credited with the NTDP’s remarkable track record of producing NHL talent.
For the 2025-26 U17 team, the focus will be on developing their physical strength, tactical awareness, and mental toughness. The 38-game USHL schedule and the three international tournaments serve as the ultimate proving ground. By the time they transition to the U18 team next season, these players will be prepared for the World Junior Championship and the NHL Draft combine. The success of players like Hudson Salvador, Braden Horton, and Freddie Schneider in this demanding environment will determine the overall strength of this 2009-born class in the years to come.
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