Quinn Hughes and Tyler Madden named to Team USA’s World Junior preliminary roster

Canucks prospects Quinn Hughes and Tyler Madden have been named to Team USA’s preliminary roster for the 2019 World Junior Championship.

This year’s tournament is taking place in Vancouver and Victoria, BC beginning Boxing Day.

Hughes, who was selected by the Canucks seventh overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, returns to Team USA after putting up three assists in seven games for his country during last year’s tournament.

Hughes is a lock to make the team as one of five returning players alongside fellow blueliners Mikey Anderson (University of Minnesota Duluth), Dylan Samberg (University of Minnesota Duluth) and forwards Josh Norris (University of Michigan) and Ryan Poehling (St. Cloud State University).

Hughes has been putting together another solid season with Michigan in the NCAA this season. Through 15 games, the 19-year-old has racked up three goals and 19 points. Look for Hughes to see heavy minutes for the Americans and be the power-play quarterback.

Jack Hughes, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, was also among 29 players invited to camp.

Madden was taken 68th overall by Vancouver in the 2018 NHL Draft and will be battling for a forward roster position.

Here’s a look at Team USA’s full preliminary roster:

USA Hockey has been developing some of the best player in the game for a long time, including superstar forwards Auston Matthews and Patrick Kane. They have medaled in three straight World Junior tournaments and will be looking to bounce back after finishing third last year.

Hughes and Madden will join Michael Dipietro (Canada) and Toni Utunen (Finland) as Canucks’ prospects representing their countries at this year’s tournament.

Team USA’s preliminary round games will be in Victoria against Group B opponents Kazakhstan, Finland, Slovakia and Sweden. The QuarterFinals will be split between Vancouver and Victoria, while the semifinal and medal games will be played at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.