Motzko to Coach U.S. at 2026 World Juniors

Bob Motzko, coach of the University of Minnesota men's hockey team, has been appointed as the head coach for the 2026 U.S. National Junior Team, aiming to lead the squad in the World Junior Championship hosted in Minnesota. Motzko, with a history of successful coaching stints, previously led Team USA to a gold medal in 2017 and a bronze in 2018. The tournament, set between December 26, 2025, and January 5, 2026, will see the U.S. compete in Group A alongside Germany, Slovakia, Sweden, and Switzerland. Motzko's appointment is seen as a strategic move leveraging his extensive experience and local ties as the 'State of Hockey' prepares to host the prestigious event. Team USA, entering as the two-time defending champions, will play in venues like Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul and 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis. The event organizers and USA Hockey officials express confidence in Motzko's leadership to secure another successful campaign on home soil.