Pens Elite Alum Brandon Svoboda has been named to Team USA’s roster for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. Svoboda, a forward who is in his first season at Boston University, came up through the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Penguins Elite organization. 

Following his time representing Pittsburgh Penguins Elite, Svoboda moved on to the United States Hockey League (USHL) and won back-to-back championships with the Youngstown Phantoms and Fargo Force. Last summer, he was selected with the 71st selection in the NHL draft by the San Jose Sharks. In his first season thus far with the Terriers, Brandon has scored 3 goals in 11 games. 

This won’t be Svoboda’s first time representing Team USA as he led all Americans in points and assists at the 2024 World Junior Summer Showcase. 

The World Junior Championship takes place in Ottawa, Ontario from December 26 to January 5. The tournament is the premier annual competition for under-20 national teams from around the world. Team USA will play four preliminary round games against Germany, Latvia, Finland and Canada in Group A play. From there, teams will advance to the quarterfinals on January 2, the semifinals on January 4th and finally, the final on January 6. 

Congratulations to Brandon on being named to represent your country and good luck to Team USA at this year’s tournament!