Wisconsin Defensemen Hensler and Osburn Named to U.S. National Junior Team Preliminary Roster
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USA Hockey announced Monday that Wisconsin defensemen Logan Hensler and Luke Osburn have been selected for teh 28-player preliminary roster for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. The pair will attend a training camp in Plymouth, michigan, from December 15-23, vying for a spot on the final 25-man roster.
Preparing for the World Stage
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championship is a prestigious annual event showcasing the top under-20 ice hockey talent globally. The 2026 tournament will be held in Minnesota, with games taking place at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul and 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, running from December 26, 2025, to January 5, 2026.
Hensler’s Rising Profile
Logan Hensler, a sophomore for the Wisconsin Badgers, has quickly established himself as a key offensive contributor.Currently, he ranks second among wisconsin defensemen with seven points – a career-high fueled by three goals – in 13 games played. On November 15, Hensler recorded a breakout performance, posting a career-best three-point game with a goal and two assists in a 6-5 overtime victory against Ohio State.
Hensler’s international experience is already significant, having contributed to gold medal wins for team USA at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship and the 2023 Under-18 Five nations Tournament, as well as a silver medal at the 2024 IIHF Under-18 Men’s World Championship. The Woodbury,Minnesota native was also selected by the Ottawa Senators in the first round of the 2025 draft.
Osburn’s Remarkable Freshman Start
Freshman Luke Osburn is making an immediate impact for the Badgers. In 10 games, the Plymouth, michigan native has tallied two goals and six points, placing him third in scoring among Wisconsin defensemen. His two goals are tied for second-most among all freshmen on the team.
Osburn brings prior international success to the table, having helped Team USA secure a gold medal at the 2024 World Jr. A Challenge alongside fellow Badger freshman Finn Brink. recognized for his talent, Osburn was named the 2025 USHL Defenseman of the Year and was a fourth-round draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 2024.
A Badger Tradition Continues
The inclusion of Hensler and Osburn continues a remarkable streak for the Wisconsin Badgers program. If either player makes the final roster, it will extend to 10 consecutive years with at least one Badger competing at the World Juniors, and the 39th straight year with a Badger player or staff member involved in the tournament, dating back to 1988.
The program’s legacy at the World Juniors is significant, highlighted by the 2004 gold medal-winning team featuring Badgers Jake Dowell, Jeff Likens, and ryan Suter, coached by Wisconsin alum Mike eaves. throughout the tournament’s history, three Badgers – Luke Kunin (2017), Jake McCabe (2013), and Derek Stepan (2010) – have captained Team USA to victory. A total of 62 Badgers have participated in the World Junior Championship.
Broadcast Information and Tournament Schedule
All U.S. games will be broadcast live on NHL Network, beginning with the tournament opener against Germany on December 26. The gold medal game is scheduled for January 5.
Here is the complete Group A schedule for Team USA:
- Game 1: Germany, december 26 (5 p.m. CT)
- game 2: Switzerland, December 27 (5 p.m.CT)
- Game 3: Slovakia, december 29 (5 p.m. CT)
- Game 4: Sweden, December 31 (5 p.m. CT)
- Gold medal Game – January 5 (7:30 p.m. CT)
