Bemidji State University Men's Hockey freshmen Eric Pohlkamp (United States) and Kasper Magnussen (Norway) have been named to the preliminary rosters for the United States and Norway National Junior Teams that are set to compete at the 2024 IIHF World Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Dec. 26-Jan. 5.
"It's quite an honor for Erick and Kasper being named to their respective preliminary rosters for the World Junior Championship," said Bemidji State head coach Tom Serratore. "These two are having great seasons and have earned the trust and respect from USA Hockey and Norwegian Ice Hockey Federation. Having two guys on the same team competing for a spot in the best amateur hockey tournament in the world speaks volumes about their talent and character. Beaver nation will be more vested in this year's tournament."
Pohlkamp, a Brainerd, Minn., native will travel to Plymouth, Mich., Dec. 14-16 to compete for a roster spot in the tournament at a team training camp. A total of 29 players have been invited to the camp at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth with the final roster size trimmed down to 25.
The 2024 U.S. National Junior Team is led by head coach David Carle who is assisted by Brett Larson, Steve Miller, David Lassonde and Garrett Raboin.
In 14 games this season, Pohlkamp is second among Beaver defensemen with eight points off four goals and four assists and leads the Central Collegiate Hockey Association averaging 4.29 shots per game.
Magnussen, hailing from Fredrikstad, Norway, will travel to Ulricehamn, Sweden to battle for a roster spot at the team's training camp from Dec. 16-23 before the team moves to the World Championship host city of Gothenburg. Magnussen will also be vying for one of 25 roster spots.
The 2024 Norwegian National Junior Team is led by head coach Christer Nylund who is assisted by Morten Ask, Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and Peter Andersson.
In 10 games this season, Magnussen has scored two goals and posted 12 shots on goal including a career-high three shots twice this season.
United States and Norway will both compete in Group B and face-off against one another to open the Preliminary Round Tuesday, Dec. 26 at 10 a.m. CT. All U.S. games will be televised live on NHL Network with others televised as well.