The defending gold medalist United States have finalized their World Junior Hockey Championship roster for their bid to defend the title on home turf in Buffalo this year.

Canucks prospect and 2016 third-round draft pick William Lockwood was among those who made the final roster. There was speculation that an injury Lockwood sustained in an American pre-tournament game against Team Belarus might force him from the American’s roster, but it appears as though he’s been given the green light for the start of the tournament on Boxing Day.

This will be Lockwood’s first appearance at the World Juniors. Lockwood isn’t without international experience, though. Lockwood was a point per game player for Team USA in the Under-18 tournament at the end of his draft year in 2016.

In 16 games with the Michigan Wolverines in the NCAA, Lockwood has 11 points (four goals and seven assists). Most suspect that Lockwood will play a bottom-six role and feature prominently on the American penalty kill.

The Americans play the final game of the first day of the tournament on Boxing Day, facing off against Team Denmark at 5 PM Pacific. CanucksArmy will be providing full recaps of the day’s action as it comes to a close, each day of the tournament.