Five current and former players from the Rochester Americans are gearing up for the 2026 IIHF World Championships in Switzerland, aiming to bring home the gold for the United States. Among them are goaltender Devin Cooley and defenseman Will Borgen, who are looking to lead the U.S. to its second consecutive gold medal. This tournament marks a significant moment in American hockey history, as the team seeks to repeat as world champions for the first time ever.
Cooley, who played for the Amerks during the 2023-24 season, has been a key player for the U.S. national team. His performance for the Amerks, with a 3.77 goals-against average and an .891 save percentage, has translated into success at the NHL level, where he has appeared in 37 career games. Borgen, a former Amerk, brings a wealth of experience to the team, having previously represented the U.S. at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championships and the 2018 Winter Olympics.
The U.S. team is led by former Buffalo Sabres head coach Don Granato, who guided the team to its first gold medal in 2025. This victory marked a turning point for American hockey, as the team upset the heavily favored Canadians in the Winter Olympic Games, reminiscent of the iconic 'Miracle on Ice' in 1980. A repeat victory this year would be a historic achievement, as it would see the U.S. join Sweden and Finland as the only nations to win both Olympic and World Championship gold in the same year.
The competition is fierce, with other nations like Sweden and Slovakia also vying for gold. Sweden, the 2017 and 2018 World Championship winners, is led by forward Rasmus Asplund and defenseman Erik Brannström, both of whom have extensive international experience. Asplund, a former Amerk, has struggled to break through in international tournaments, finishing no higher than fourth in six appearances. Brannström, a recent addition to the Amerks, brings stability to the Swedish defense and has a strong international medal record.
Slovakia, on the other hand, is making its senior international debut with defenseman Maxim Štrbák, who joined the Amerks late in the season. Štrbák, a 20-year-old, has a strong track record in junior tournaments, having represented Slovakia at four IIHF World Junior Championships and the 2023 Men's U18 World Championships. The Slovaks are aiming to build on their recent success, having claimed bronze at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.
As the tournament unfolds, the Rochester Americans' players will be pivotal in the U.S. team's quest for gold. Their individual performances and team dynamics will shape the outcome of the tournament. With the competition heating up, the 2026 IIHF World Championships promise to be an exciting and memorable event for hockey fans around the world.
