USA Hockey has added New York Ranger prospect Hunter Skinner and two other players to its preliminary roster for the upcoming world junior tournament, the team announced Sunday.
The three players were added to replace forward Robert Mastrosimone, defenseman Alex Vlasic and goaltender Drew Commesso, who are no longer able to participate for Team USA. No reason was given for why Mastrosimone, Vlasic, and Commesso, who plays for Boston University, are not able to participate in the tournament, which will be held inside a bubble due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Skinner was drafted by the New York Rangers in the fourth round of the 2019 NHL draft. According to Dobber prospects, the 18-year-old has a raw set of fundamental skills that may allow him to slowly develop into a valuable bottom-pairing defenseman at the NHL level.
Team USA began their preparation for the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship on Sunday in Plymouth, Mich.
The tournament beings Dec. 25 in Edmonton, Canada.
The final 25-player U.S. roster will be announced on Dec. 13 prior to the U.S. departing for Edmonton.