Boucher and Oke named to U.S. National Junior Team preliminary roster

USA Hockey announced Monday that a pair of OHL players have been included on its National Junior Team preliminary roster ahead of the 2023 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship.

Ottawa 67’s forward Tyler Boucher and Saginaw Spirit goaltender Andrew Oke will both attend the U.S. National Junior Team Training Camp that takes place at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Mich. from December 12-17.

Players are auditioning for a spot on the final 23-player roster that will represent the United States in the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship Dec. 26, 2022 – Jan. 5, 2023, in Moncton, New Brunswick, and Halifax, Nova Scotia. The United States has medaled in five of the last seven tournaments.

A first round (10th overall) pick by the Ottawa Senators in the 2021 NHL Draft, Boucher has 14 points (8-6–14) through his first 15 games with the first place Ottawa 67’s this season. He recorded 14 points (7-7–14) in 24 games last season after joining the team in late January. Boucher won silver with the United States at the 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

Oke returns to camp after representing the United States at the 2022 World Juniors this past summer. The Saginaw Spirit goaltender stopped all 11 shots he faced in 40 minutes of action against Austria. An 18-year-old from Shelby Township, Mich., Oke is 5-2-1-0 with the Spirit this season, posting a 3.15 goals-against average and .879 save percentage. He attended training camp with the Detroit Red Wings this past September.

For the full U.S. National Junior Team preliminary roster, visit usahockey.com.