Alexandria, MN (Nov. 13, 2025)
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USA Hockey announced the 2025 World Junior A Challenge roster on Wednesday, November 12, naming former NorthStar Knights Carter Sanderson and Bode Laylin to the U.S. Junior Select Team that will compete in Trois-Rivières, Québec from December 7–13.
Each year, USA Hockey fields a U.S. Junior Select Team comprised of the top junior players from leagues across the country. Team USA has captured 10 World Junior A Challenge titles since the tournament’s inception in 2006. This year’s event will feature matchups against Canada East, Canada West, and Sweden in a 10-game international showcase.
Sanderson currently plays with the Muskegon Lumberjacks and is committed to the University of North Dakota. He was also selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2025 NHL Draft. The Pierre, SD native played for the 16U Knights during the 2022-23 season where he scored 35 points (12G, 23A) in 55 games played. The last 2 seasons, Sanderson has been a key piece to the Lumberjacks forward group, helping the team win the USHL’s Clark Cup in 2025 and currently has 11 points (6G, 5A) in 16 games played this season.
Laylin is a defenseman for the Tri-City Storm and is committed to the University of St. Thomas. The St. Michael, MN native spent two seasons with the Knights’ 16U program from 2022–24, recording an impressive 64 points (12G, 52A) in 87 games. His 0.74 points per game remain the highest scoring rate by a defenseman at the 16U level in NorthStar history. Now in his second full season with Tri-City, Laylin has compiled 30 points (5G, 25A) in 77 career USHL games and currently leads the Storm in ice time at 25:00 per game.
“Exciting for Bode and Carter to make the USHL all-star team of players representing our country,” said NorthStar Executive Director Dallas Steward. “Both players excelled at NorthStar on and off the ice. They are great players and representatives to try and earn our country a medal!”
Sanderson and Laylin now join a growing list of Knights earning opportunities on the international stage, including Zaide Penner, who represented Team USA at the 18U Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and Lincoln Kuehne, who played with the U.S. National Team Development Program (USNTDP).
The entire NorthStar Knights family congratulates Carter and Bode on this prestigious honor. We look forward to cheering them on as they represent the United States on the international stage and continue to embody the character, excellence, and leadership they displayed during their time at NorthStar!