Pool Play Standouts At World Juniors

Pool play has come and gone at the 2025 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. Well represented in Ottawa, the NCAA has a number of its top talents competing for gold.

While players like Boston College's Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault and Denver's Zeev Buium expected to shine bright, more under-the-radar players have taken center stage, outshining the likely stars.

Here's a starting six — three forwards, two defensemen, and one goaltender — of college hockey's standouts during pool play at World Juniors.

Danny Nelson (F, United States)

The Notre Dame forward has been a key figure for the Stars and Stripes during pool play. Nelson has three goals through four games, tied for the team lead with Minnesota's Brodie Ziemer.

He's recorded a point in three of the four pool play games. With an assist in the tournament opener against Germany, Nelson tallied twice against Latvia and once against Canada.

Picked 49th overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders, Nelson has been a steady presence as the second-line center for the U.S.

Nelson's also been impressive on the second power play unit for the U.S. He scored the game-winning goal against Canada on the man advantage.

Cole Eiserman (F, United States)

The Boston University forward had a breakthrough performance against Canada on Tuesday. He scored a goal to extend the U.S. lead in the third period on the power play and picked up an assist earlier in the contest.

Eiserman saw his playing time decrease significantly on Tuesday. He was moved to the 13th forward spot and only played 8:50. But his impact in the win over Canada can't be understated.

The 20th selection by the Islanders in the 2024 draft, Eiserman is a weapon on the power play. Occupying space in or around the right circle, the threat of a one-timer draws defenders to him without the puck. With the puck on his stick, he's a threat to score from anywhere on the ice.

He's also looked increasingly comfortable playmaking at the World Juniors. Eiserman's not making breathtaking passes; he's making the right plays — and they're leading to goals. He's recorded four helpers in four games in Ottawa. Eiserman is tied with Boston College forward James Hagens for the second most points on the U.S. squad with six.

Daniel Jencko (F, Slovakia)

I wanted to give shine to college players who don't play for the U.S. It would have been easy to highlight Hagens as a standout, but Jencko has been strong for Slovakia.

The UMass forward has four points (two goals, two assists) in four games for Slovakia. Jencko scored in the first two games of the tournament and then picked up a pair of assists in a win against Kazakhstan.

Jencko went undrafted in 2023 but boasts a fast-paced game with a solid shot. He's been a sneaky good player at World Juniors.

Cole Hutson (D, United States)

The Boston University defenseman has stood out in a major way through four games at World Juniors. Hutson recorded eight points (two goals, six assists) for the Stars and Stripes in pool play, which has him tied for the tournament lead with Sweden's Axel Sandin-Pellikka.

Hutson scored two stellar goals: first in the overtime loss to Finland and second in the win over Canada. He also collected five helpers in the win against Germany and is a plus-seven when on the ice — the best mark on the U.S. squad.

The 43rd overall pick by the Washington Capitals in the 2024 draft, Hutson has quarterbacked the second power play unit for the U.S. to much success.

The hockey world knows what Hutson is capable of offensively. He's shown those flashes thus far in Ottawa, reigniting the comparison to his older brother Lane.

Tom Willander (D, Sweden)

The Boston University defenseman has been a reliable blueliner for Sweden — the only nation to go undefeated in pool play. Willander has five points (two goals, three assists) through four games.

Sweden has leaned on Willander big time. He's recorded the most time on ice of any of his fellow countrymen. He scored twice and picked up an assist in a win over Switzerland.

Drafted 11th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2023 draft, Willander has manned the second power play unit for the Swedes — a group that's been successful.

As much as he's been stellar offensively, Willander's been just as reliable on the defensive end. He has a plus-five rating through pool play.

Trey Augustine (G, United States)

Competing in his third World Juniors, the Michigan State netminder has once again been reliable between the pipes for the U.S.

Augustine has a .914 save percentage in three starts thus far in Ottawa and is surrendering 2.97 goals per game. While those numbers don't jump off the page, he has been excellent as the last line of defense for a U.S. that has a leaky blue line.

Selected 41st overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2023 draft, Augustine was stellar in the win against Canada on Tuesday, stopping 38 of 39 shots.

A well-rounded goaltender who's strong in every area, Augustine is a key piece for the U.S. and will need to continue his strong play in order to repeat as a gold medalist.

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