TOURNAMENT OVERVIEW

Since 1999, the International Ice Hockey Federation had crowned a world champion for players in the Under-18 age division.

From April 14-24, Grand Forks, N.D. and the Ralph Englestad Arena will play host to this annual tournament.

The 10 teams are divided into Group A and Group B for the Preliminary portion of the tournament, after which the top four teams from each group will advance to the Playoff round for cross-over quarterfinals.

The point system awards teams that win in regulation time three points, a team that loses in regulation time zero points, and one point each if regulation ends in a tie.

If a team wins in overtime or the Game Winning Shots round, that team earns an extra point.

MINNESOTA NATIVES PROMINENT ON UNITED STATES ROSTER

The United States roster features six Minnesota natives, including high school star Casey Mittelstadt of Eden Prairie.

Forwards Kieffer Bellows (Edina), Joey Anderson (Roseville) and Mittelstadt will team with defensemen Ryan Lindgren (Minneapolis), Matt Hellickson (Rogers) and goaltender Jake Oettinger (Lakeville) for the United States.

NHL Network will televise all U.S. games in the 2016 IIHF U18 Men's World Championship. Additional tournament details can be found at grandforks2016.com. Team-by-team previews below:

TEAMS AND PLAYERS TO WATCH

Group B

Canada

The Canadians have taken home the bronze in three of the past four tournaments, a trend that could be reversed if the ultra-talented forward group can live up to its goal-scoring potential.

Penticton Vees' forward Tyson Jost is one of the brightest spots in Canada’s forward battalion, coming in at No. 16 in the final NHL Central Scouting rankings of North American skaters. Jost has committed to 2016 NCAA Men’s National Champion North Dakota. Taking over another center position is 6-foot-2 Michael McLeod, who’s ranked No. 13 according to Central Scouting. 

Czech Republic

Daniel Kurovsky is the focal point of the Czech offense, towering over most forwards and 6-foot-4. Kurovsky rocketed up the Central Scouting rankings since the midterm marks, going from No. 75 to No. 29. Another Czech forward, Ondrej Najman, ranks No. 30.

Denmark

Denmark is new to this large a stage, being newly promoted this year. Lucas Andersen could be a bright spot for the Danes, scoring 46 points in 30 games for the Rodovre SIK club team.

Finland

Last year’s runner up comes this year with one of the deepest and most talented forward groups in the entire tournament. The No. 2 and No. 3 rated European skaters, Patrik Laine and Jesse Puljujarvi, will take the ice for the Finns.

Latvia

Having never placed nor earned a medal, the Latvians will rely heavily on Lake Superior State commit Roberts Blueger. Blueger and his older brother, Minnesota State player Teddy, both suited up for Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Faribault.

Group A

Russia

The Russians will bring a sizable contingent from their U17 team. The Russian roster features fourteen skaters that stand 6-feet or taller.

Switzerland

Matching their best-ever finish at the Worlds, the Swiss finished fourth last year. Defenseman Livio Stadler is the No. 73-rated skater in European according to Central Scouting.

Slovakia

The Slovaks feature two of the top 130 European skaters on their roster in defenseman Martin Krempasky and forward Peter Bjaloncik. Slovakia has not placed since a silver medal in 2003.

Sweden

The Swedes bring a traditionally strong lineup to Grand Forks, staring between the pipes with the No. 10 rated European goaltender, Filip Larsson. Mississauga Steelheads forward Alexander Nylander is the son of former NHLer Michael Nylander, and is the No. 3 rated skater in North America.

United States

The U.S. has won six of the last seven world titles, and the host country has the stacked roster to pick up a third consecutive championship. The U.S. features two of the top-10 rated players in North America, with Clayton Keller and Edina native Kieffer Bellows slotted into forward positions. Trent Frederic, Adam Fox, and Ryan Lindgren are also ranked in the Top 50.