Men's Ice Hockey | December 09, 2019

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Western Michigan hockey sophomore defenseman Mattias Samuelsson has been named to USA Hockey's preliminary roster for the 2020 World Junior Championships, which takes place Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in the Czech Republic.

Samuelsson will have the opportunity to compete for the 23-man final roster, which is anticipated to be announced on Dec. 24. USA opens the tournament against Canada on Dec. 26.

Samuelsson earned a silver medal with USA at the 2019 World Junior Championships, playing in all seven games.

The Buffalo Sabres' draft pick has played in 12 games this season, recording four points on a goal and three assists. Samuelsson, who regularly logs the most minutes in WMU's core of defenseman, is also +3 so far this season. He has appeared in 47 games in his career as a Bronco, with six goals and 16 assists.

All of USA's games at the 2020 World Junior Championship will be broadcast on the NHL Network.