UND's Schmaltz, Boeser named to U.S. preliminary roster for World Juniors

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota forwards Nick Schmaltz and Brock Boeser were among the 29 players named to the preliminary roster for the 2016 U.S. National Junior Team, announced today by USA Hockey.

The duo will attend training camp Dec. 14-18 at Boston University in Boston followed by an additional camp in Vierumaki, Finland, from Dec. 19-24. The final 23-man roster is expected to be named by Dec. 24. Team USA will compete in the 2016 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, Dec. 26-Jan. 5, in Helsinki, Finland.

Schmaltz played for Team USA at the 2015 World Junior Championship, appearing in all five games. In 18 games this season for UND, the sophomore from Verona, Wis., has three goals and 21 assists for 24 points and leads the nation with a plus-28 rating. His 21 assists also lead the nation and his 24 points rank fourth in the national scoring race. 

Boeser, a freshman from Burnsville, Minn., leads the nation’s freshmen with 11 goals and ranks second with 19 points. He also possesses significant international experience, having captained Team USA to a bronze medal at the 2014-15 Ivan Hlinka Tournament and leading the team in scoring en route to a silver medal at the same tournament in 2013-14. Boeser also helped Team USA to gold medal at the 2013-14 Five Nations Tournament.