Team USA goalie temporarily traded to Team Sweden at World Juniors

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Josh Tupper
July 28, 2024 (8:43 PM)

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American Goalie Joey Slavick Suits Up for Sweden at World Junior Summer Showcase

In an unexpected turn of events, an American goaltender was forced to suit up for an opposing country at the World Junior Summer Showcase on Sunday afternoon.

The Showcase began in Plymouth, Michigan, with USA White facing Finland and USA Blue taking on Sweden. However, ahead of the second game of the day�USA Blue versus Sweden�an unusual situation arose.

American goaltender Joey Slavick, eligible for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and considered a top prospect, suited up as a backup for Sweden. The reason for this was that some of Sweden's equipment had not arrived in Plymouth due to flight delays.

"A rare sight: American USNTDP goaltender Joey Slavick is backing up Sweden today. #WJSS" Steven Ellis said in a post on X.

"Joey Slavick of the ⁦@USAHockeyNTDP will serve as backup goalie for Sweden v USA Blue later this afternoon. Sweden still hasn't received all its equipment after all the flight delays" Mike Morreale said.

Slavick, 17, spent the 2023-24 season with the U.S. National Team Development Program at the U17 level and in the USHL. He has yet to commit to an NCAA school but will be eligible to play collegiate hockey in the 2025-26 campaign.

The World Junior Summer Showcase runs until August 3rd, with Canada joining the other teams in Plymouth. Before heading south of the border, Canada will play a split-squad game on Tuesday and face Sweden on Wednesday in Windsor. They will then face Finland and the United States on back-to-back days�August 2nd and 3rd�before the tournament concludes.

Each year, the World Junior Summer Showcase allows participating nations to evaluate their players before the start of their respective seasons. Many players participating this week will be eyeing a spot in the 2025 World Juniors, set to be held in Ottawa, Ontario, from December 26th to January 5th.

Source: Blade of Steel
American forced to suit up for opposing country at World Junior Summer Showcase