Hillebrandt would love to face Colts’ teammates Beaudoin and Akey in world junior final

Sam Hillebrandt can see it now.

He is standing in the crease for the United States at the beginning of the 2025 IIHF World Championship gold medal final in Ottawa. Looking across the ice, he sees Barrie Colts teammates Cole Beaudoin and Beau Akey suited up for Team Canada.

“It would be super cool,” said Hillebrandt, who was named Monday to the American world junior team roster for a second straight year. “We’re all really close friends. We’ve already talked about it a little bit, of just how cool it would be if we were given an opportunity at something like that.

“It would definitely be exciting, and definitely be something I’d never forget.”

Beaudoin and Akey received an invitation along with 30 other CHL players to participate in Canada’s National Junior Team selection camp, held December 10 to 13 at TD Place in Ottawa.

While Hillebrandt would be happy to see his teammates make the Canadian team and advance to the gold medal final, make no mistake who he wants to win.

After all, he still holds bragging rights after the U.S. defeated host Sweden 6-2 in the gold medal final last year and headed into this year’s tournament in Ottawa as the defending champions.

“Hopefully, we can do something we’ve never done before and go back-to-back, which would be super cool,” said the Colts goaltender and Riverview, Fl. resident. “It’s an honour to go back and try to do something that the U.S. has never done before and win back-to-back gold medals.

“I’m excited and looking forward to the opportunity.”

While the U.S. roster was officially announced Monday, the Barrie goaltender found out he made the team almost two weeks ago on a recent road trip to Windsor.

The Colts were carrying their equipment into the WFCU Centre dressing room when head coach Marty Williamson gathered everyone around.

“Marty called the whole team in and announced it to the team,” said Hillebrandt, who later shared the news in a phone call to his parents. “I had no idea I had made the team yet, so that was pretty exciting to find out that way with all the guys as well.”

Hillebrandt was the American’s third goaltender and didn’t get to play in last year’s tournament, but he’s hoping to change that at this year’s tournament.

“Last year was a great team and, obviously, we did super well, and we won,” said the six-foot-one, 170-pound. “Unfortunately for myself, I wasn’t able to play but knowing that they still trust me enough to invite me to have possibly another chance to be given the net again would be super exciting and would be an honour.”

For Akey, the chance to represent his country is special, especially after everything he went through last year. The defenceman missed most of last season after having surgery on both shoulders and admits it wasn’t easy.

It’s nice to be rewarded with an opportunity to make his dreams come true.

“It feels really good after missing a whole year,” said the defenceman, who made it a goal this season to get an invite. “I struggled a little bit early (this year) trying to get back with everything I missed out on and then playing good hockey the past month or so, it has really helped.

“It’s really boosted my confidence.”

The Edmonton Oilers prospect takes pride in his 200-foot game, and he plans to show head coach Dave Cameron and the Hockey Canada brass that they will be able to rely on him game-in and game-out.

“Marty said a couple of words,” Akey said of the advice he’s received. “He said just play your game. You got invited for a reason, for the type of player that you are. They definitely want to see a good defensive outing from me and just play the same style I play every night and not try and change my game just to put on a show there.

“The defensive part of a defenceman is definitely more important than the offensive side.”

Beaudoin is no stranger to Hockey Canada. The Utah NHL prospect took home gold medals with Canada in the Ivan Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the U18 World Championship.

The Kanata native is excited about the chance to represent Canada in his hometown.

“The best time as a kid was when I watched this tournament with my family and friends, and just sitting down and watching with my dad,” said the 18-year-old centre. “And now, I have a chance to be out there in Ottawa and play for Team Canada at Christmas time with the best players in the country.

“It would definitely be a Christmas present in itself.”

While the Canadian boasts an impressive, deep collection of talent battling to make the national team, Beaudon’s versatility and willingness to play whatever role is needed, be it an offensive one or defensive roster, and his experience with the Hockey Canada program will be a strength heading in.

“That’s exactly what I’m going to go in there and do. Just play my all-around game,” he said. “If that’s offensively, defensively, a physical role, and being able to go in there on the forecheck, backcheck and just play my all-around game. I don’t change anything about my game, just continue to be the person and player I am.”

Akey knows where he wants to spend his Christmas holidays this season.

“It’s an honour to be considered,” he said. “I would rather not spend my Christmas anywhere else, but in Ottawa in a hotel this year. I’m really looking forward to trying and making that team.”

Hillebrandt has been Barrie’s starter in goal over the last two seasons and showed in last year’s opening-round playoff series loss to a powerhouse Oshawa Generals team that he can be the guy in a big setting.

“In the playoffs, you have a chance every single game to win and especially in short tournaments like this where anything can happen,” said Hillebrandt. “If I am called upon to go in net, I want them to know that I can play in big moments and I’m able to give my team a chance to win regardless of what happens.”

The world junior championship begins on Boxing Day with four games, which includes Canada taking on Finland at the Canadian Tire Centre at 7:30 p.m. ET. 

Hillebrandt and the United States will kick off their tournament against Germany at 2:30 p.m.