Hensler, Osburn named to Team USA World Juniors roster
December 24, 2025 | Men's Hockey
Defensemen to compete in Minnesota in the 2026 World Junior Championship
St. PAUL, Minn. – Wisconsin men's hockey defensemen Logan Hensler and Luke Osburn have been named to the 25-man U.S. National Junior Team final roster set to represent the United States at the 2026 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championship, USA Hockey announced on Wednesday.
Â
Say hello to the 2026 #WorldJuniors roster 🇺🇸
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) December 24, 2025
Roster details: https://t.co/GZVa6amhMO pic.twitter.com/JKp0ztkTen
The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, which brings together the top national under-20 ice hockey teams from around the world, runs from Dec. 26, 2025, through Jan. 5, 2026, in Minnesota, at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul and 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis.
A 2025 World Juniors gold medalist, Hensler boasts eight points and a career-high three goals in 15 games played to rank second in scoring among Badger blue liners. On Nov. 15, the sophomore posted his first-career three-point game with a goal and two assists in UW's 6-5 overtime win against Ohio State.
A product of the U.S. National Team Development Program, the Woodbury, Minnesota, native has competed internationally for Team USA before, helping it to a gold medal at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship and a silver medal at the 2024 IIHF Under-18 Men's World Championship. The Ottawa Senators' 2025 first-round draft pick also won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2023 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament.
Osburn, a freshman, has two goals and eight points in 12 games played to tie for third among UW defensemen in scoring. His two goals are also tied for third among freshmen on the team.
The Plymouth, Michigan, native has skated internationally for Team USA before, helping it to a gold medal at the 2024 World Jr. A Challenge, alongside fellow Badger freshman Finn Brink. The 2025 USHL Defenseman of the Year is a 2024 fourth-round draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres.
The pair making the team extends UW's streak to 10 consecutive years with at least one Badger skating at the World Juniors and the 39th straight event with at least one Badger competitor or staff member taking part in the tournament dating back to 1988.
That includes 2004, when Team USA won its first gold medal and Badgers Jake Dowell, Jeff Likens and Ryan Suter all skated for the team. That team was also coached by Badger alum Mike Eaves, who was UW's head coach at the time.
All time, 62 Badgers have played in the World Junior Championship, and Osburn's participation will make him the 63rd.
To date, the U.S. National Junior Team has claimed 15 medals, including seven gold (2025, 2024, 2021, 2017, 2013, 2010, 2004), two silver (2019, 1997) and seven bronze medals (2023, 2018, 2016, 2011, 2007, 1992, 1986). Three of those first-place finishes saw Badgers lead the team as captain (Luke Kunin – 2017; Jake McCabe – 2013; Derek Stepan – 2010).
This year, all U.S. games will broadcast live on NHL Network, including its tournament opener against Germany on Dec. 26. The gold medal game takes place on Jan. 5. Former Wisconsin head coach and player Tony Granato will serve as a color commentator for Team USA's games.
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE FOR USA (GROUP A):
- Game 1: Germany, Dec. 26 (1:30 p.m. CT)
- Game 2: Latvia, Dec. 28 (2:30 p.m.)
- Game 3: Finland, Dec. 29 (1:30 p.m.)
- Game 4: Canada, Dec. 31 (7 p.m.)
- Gold Medal Game: Jan. 5 (6:30 p.m.)
Players Mentioned
Notre Dame Cinematic
Thursday, December 11
Ohio State Highlights
Tuesday, November 18
Ohio State Cinema
Sunday, November 16
Ohio State Historical
Thursday, November 13
