New York Rangers prospects K’Andre Miller and Nils Lundkvist were named to their WJC national teams in separate announcements on Sunday.
New York Rangers prospects K’Andre Miller (USA) and Nils Lundkvist (Sweden) were both named to their respective World Junior Championship teams in announcements made on Sunday.
Miller was drafted in the first round, 22nd overall, in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. He has been playing for Wisconsin this season and is coached by former New York Rangers Tony Granato. In 18 games for Wisconsin this season, Miller has recorded four goals with 17 points.
Final 2019 U.S. National Junior Team roster announced → https://t.co/Fciqi39QrJ#USAWJC ?? pic.twitter.com/1KnupuoTnC
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) December 23, 2018
The 23-man roster is overseen by another familiar name, former Rangers goaltender and fan favorite John Vanbiesbrouck. “Beezer” is serving as general manager of the 2019 U.S. National Junior Team and also the assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey.
Speaking to USA Hockey, Vanbiesbrouck spoke about the process.
“We’ve said from day one that this is a selection process, and as a staff we’re thrilled with the 23 players selected to represent the United States in one of the greatest tournaments on the hockey calendar.”
The World Junior Championships take place beginning Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia.
Team USA’s schedule has them playing Slovakia, Kazakhstan, Sweden and Finland in the first round of the tournament.
Team Sweden selects Nils Lundkvist
Another Rangers prospect, Nils Lundkvist was selected to play for Team Sweden in the WJC. Lindkvist was selected by New York in the first round, 22th overall, in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
Lundkvist has played in the Swedish Hockey League for Lulea HF. He has recorded one goal with five assists in 24 games.
He represented Sweden on the under-18 circuit three times in 2017-18, helping Sweden claim bronze during the under-18 World Championship.
The Rangers have the possibility of having three players participate in the World juniors Championships as the team’s number one pick on the 2018 Draft, Vitali Kravstov, is expected to be named to Team Russia.
