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Team USA's World Junior Championship Roster Nearly Set

USA Hockey has announced a near-final roster for the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship. The 13 forwards and three goaltenders for the roster have been decided, but there will be one cut left to make among the defensemen before the tournament opens Friday.

Team USA's forward group is led by Jack Eichel, a returnee from last year's team and one of the top two prospects for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. The 18-year-old Boston University freshman was named the team's captain Tuesday. He is having one of the best seasons by a college freshman in over 20 years and will be looked to as the focal point of Team USA's attack.

In addition to having the consensus No. 2 pick for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft on the roster, the team also has five players already selected in the first round. That group includes Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Sonny Milano, Detroit Red Wings pick Dylan Larkin, Minnesota Wild selection Alex Tuch, Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Schmaltz and Tampa Bay Lightning choice Anthony DeAngelo, the lone first-rounder among defensemen.

Catch the rest of the story at [CBSSports].

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