Augustine, Muszelik among U.S. goalies hoping for shot at 2024 WJC

PLYMOUTH, Mich. -- United States coach David Carle has learned one thing about his team's goaltending for the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship.

"We feel like we have really good depth at the position and some really good competition," Carle said during the 2023 World Junior Summer Showcase. "I think you're seeing guys elevate and play well certainly."

The U.S. has five goalies taking part. Two of them, Trey Augustine (Detroit Red Wings) and Andrew Oke (2024 draft eligible), played in the 2023 WJC. Also here are Tyler Muszelik (Florida Panthers), Jacob Fowler (Montreal Canadiens) and Hampton Slukynsky (Los Angeles Kings).

"You just kind of see a different perspective now," said Augustine, who was 4-1 with a 2.85 goals-against average and .891 save percentage in six games to help the U.S. finish third at the 2023 WJC. "You know what the process is like and what it takes to get there. And then obviously, it's trying to be a leader in the room and kind of help the guys along."

Oke, who played one period in relief of Augustine in an 11-1 win against Germany in the quarterfinals, sees another chance to play in the World Juniors as motivation to show what NHL teams missed when he went unselected at the 2023 NHL Draft.

"Obviously it didn't go the way you wanted it to but that's just how it goes sometimes," he said. "I've been battling here, and especially with the Memorial Cup (played for host Saginaw of the Ontario Hockey League) and trying to make this team, I think it would work out pretty good for me hopefully."

Carle said it was too soon to say if any of the goalies has separated himself from the pack. Muszelik, who was the final goalie cut from the training camp for the 2023 WJC, said he feels like it's been an even playing field between the two returnees and the three other goalies.

"We all have the same goal and that's to be on the team and win a gold medal," he said. "It's nice to have competition. I think they're all highly skilled, good goalies. So it's fun to be a part of it."

Big decision coming for Hagens

James Hagens is trying to keep his focus on the World Junior Summer Showcase and his season with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team.

But at some point in the next few months, he'll have to decide where he'll play during the 2024-25 season. This will be Hagens' second and final season at the NTDP, and because his birthday is Nov. 3, the 16-year-old isn't eligible for the NHL Draft until 2025.

"I haven't really had my head wrapped around that at all," he said. "Obviously it's in the back of my mind but that's something that I'm going to deal with once camp is over and I know I'm going to have time to check out schools and make my decision."

Hagens will have no shortage of options, as any NCAA program would be intrigued by his high-end skill set. He was second on the NTDP U-17 team last season with 66 points (26 goals, 40 assists) in 43 games. He also had 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists) in 17 games with the NTDP U-18 team, and five points (one goal, four assists) in seven games for the United States at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship.

"He's an excellent playmaker who sees the ice well in any situation," NHL Central Scouting director David Gregory said. "He can hang onto the puck until an opportunity arises and he can move it quickly. Very deceiving when he's going to shoot or pass. His skating is top-end, which allows him to play at any level. He's an excellent complement to someone who would be a shooting winger."

Hagens also has the option of playing for London of the OHL, which selected him in the sixth round (No. 117) of the 2022 OHL draft. London coach Dale Hunter and general manager Mark Hunter watched Hagens play Wednesday.

"All the players they've developed, it's a world-class program and anybody would be fortunate enough to play there," Hagens said.

There's precedent for the NTDP-to-London jump; Patrick Kane made the same move, joining London in 2006-07 before the Chicago Blackhawks selected the forward with the No. 1 pick in the 2007 NHL Draft.

"I'm not too sure what the future holds for me," Hagens said. "I'm still trying to figure that one out. I'm going to deal with that when the time comes."

Suzdalev ready for solo spotlight

Alexander Suzdalev (Washington Capitals) led Western Hockey League rookies last season in goals (38), assists (48) and points (86) in 66 games with Regina last season, but the forward flew under the radar because of all the attention placed on teammate Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks), the No. 1 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft.

With Bedard almost certainly playing in the NHL this season, Suzdalev says he's ready to take more of a lead role with Regina this season.

"That's what I trained for this summer," the 19-year-old said. "That's kind of my job, to produce. I'll do everything this last month and I think you can go in strong to start the season."

Suzdalev (6-2, 172) said he feels physically stronger, and that extra strength will help his skating, especially his acceleration.

Sweden WJC coach Magnus Havelid has been impressed by Suzdalev's growth.

"I think he developed a lot in Canada this year," he said. "What I can see now when I compare to one year ago, he's more willing to take the shot, he's stronger with the puck in 1-on-1 situations, he protects the puck much better. He helps the team because he's a skillful player and he reads and sees the ice very well. And he's got the hockey toughness right now, and that was important for his improvement."

Stramel excited for second season at Wisconsin

Charlie Stramel's struggles in his freshman season at the University of Wisconsin, when he had 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 33 games, mirrored those of the team, which went 13-23-0.

But after a coaching change, the Minnesota Wild forward prospect is excited to get his sophomore season underway.

Mike Hastings was hired March 30, replacing Tony Granato, who was fired March 6 after seven seasons.

"We've got a whole new coaching staff, a lot of new players, a lot of great returners," Stramel said. "I think things are changing there at Wisconsin. I'm pumped to get out there and win some games and prove a lot of people wrong."

Stramel said the meetings he's had with Hastings have been positive.

"He expects very highly of every player on this team, no matter who it is, up and down the lineup," he said. "I know with him coming in he's a very strict and hard coach that really wants to win and really knows how to win. He's proven that he can win on every level as a coach, so I'm pumped to play for him."

Stramel (6-3, 212) has gotten an early start to his season at the WJSS and is putting into place some of the things he's worked on since last season ended.

"I think (the) first three steps in my stride, the agility, the quickness part of it, that's always something as a big guy that I'm trying to improve," he said. "Conditioning part of it too, being able to be out there and give it my all for a full shift."