GRAND FORKS, N.D. – North Dakota freshman defenseman EJ Emery has been selected to the 2025 U.S. National Junior Team preliminary roster, as announced by USA Hockey on Monday morning.
 
A total of 28 players were named to the preliminary roster, which includes 10 members of the gold-medal-winning 2024 U.S. National Junior Team, will convene for a training camp at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Mich., from Dec. 16-17.
 
Players are auditioning for a spot on the final 25-player roster that will represent the United States in the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship Dec. 26, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025, in Ottawa, Ontario.
 
"We've got an excellent group of players coming to our camp," said John Vanbiesbrouck, general manager of the 2025 U.S. National Junior Team and also the assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. "It's never easy to narrow it down and that's a credit to so many who have helped in developing our players, including first and foremost those part of our grassroots infrastructure across the country."
 
Emery has appeared in all 15 games for North Dakota this season, notching one assist over those contests. The Compton, Calif., native has blocked 18 shots and holds a plus-1 rating while sitting fourth on the team in ice time at 21:09.  
 
The final U.S. roster is expected to be announced by Dec. 24. Team USA has medaled in seven of the last nine IIHF World Junior Championships, including earning gold in the 2024 event.
 
For more information on North Dakota hockey, follow on social media @UNDmhockey or visit FightingHawks.com.