OSTRAVA, Czech Republic – Omaha freshman goaltender
Isaiah Saville is one of 23 players who will represent the United States at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic beginning this week.
The roster was announced today, determined from an initial group of 28 players that were brought to USA Hockey's preliminary camp in Michigan earlier this month.
The 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship will run from Dec. 26 – Jan. 5. The U.S. will open against Canada in a preliminary round game on Thursday, Dec. 26 at noon CT. All games can be seen on the NHL Network.
Saville is one of three goaltenders and one of four NCHC players to make the final roster. The others include Western Michigan defenseman Mattias Samuelsson, Denver forward Bobby Brink and North Dakota forward Shane Pinto.
Saville has appeared in 14 games for the Mavericks this season, posting a 6-5-2 record with a 3.04 goals-against average and a .889 save percentage. The native of Anchorage, Alaska was named the NCHC Goaltender of the Week following a split at then No. 12 Ohio State in October.
Saville is the first Maverick to play in the World Juniors since Josh Archibald in 2012.
The United States has medaled in four consecutive World Junior Championships, the longest such streak in U.S. history. Last year, the U.S. earned a silver medal, losing to Finland in the championship game.
The Americans will be coached by Minnesota Duluth head coach Scott Sandelin. His staff includes current St. Cloud State head coach Brett Larson who will serve as an assistant coach. Former NHL goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck is the team's general manager.
