Four members of the No. 3 Michigan State hockey team are spending winter break in Minnesota, competing in the 2026 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championships — one of the most competitive international contests for hockey players under 20 years old.
Freshman forwards Ryker Lee, Porter Martone and Eric Nilson each made World Juniors’ final rosters, as well as sophomore forward Shane Vansaghi. Spartan hockey commit and defenseman Chase Reid was also one of 25 players named to Team USA.
The tournament started Dec. 26 and will run through Jan. 5 at two sites: Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota (Group A) and 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Group B). All tournament games are broadcasted on NHL Network.
Team USA - Lee, Vansaghi, Reid
Lee, Vansaghi and Reid kicked off tournament play yesterday, defeating Germany 6-3. Reid netted the second goal of the night, giving the U.S. a 2-0 lead at the time. Team USA will take on Switzerland tonight, 6:00 p.m. EST.
While all three athletes have represented Team USA in the past, this is their first time competing in World Juniors. The U.S. has won the tournament’s last two gold medals with eight of last year’s medalists returning to the team.
Lee ranks fourth on the Spartans in points (6-7—13), bringing a strong offensive skill set to Team USA. The winger stands out for his puck handling and creativity, something he has demonstrated since MSU’s first exhibition game.
"He's done quite a few things in practice I've never seen before, you know he’s creative and thinks at a different level," MSU head coach Adam Nightingale said earlier in the season. "He's a really competitive guy. And so, he’s always working on this craft and he's not afraid to try things. But I think it fits within the team structure and that's important."
Vansaghi boasts quieter stats (1-5—6) but still has an ability to make game-changing plays, such as when he prevented a Boston University shot from crossing the goal line during overtime, allowing the Spartans to take a 4-3 victory over the then No. 1 team in the country this season.
"He's a guy that can play physical and play on the inside offensively and do some things away from the puck that help us win hockey games," Nightingale said before the season started.
