ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Nineteen players with ties to USA Hockey's National Team Development Program were named to the 2015 U.S. National Junior Team preliminary roster today (Dec. 2), including current U.S. National Under-18 Team forwards Jeremy Bracco (Freeport, N.Y.) and Auston Matthews (Scottsdale, Ariz.).

The 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship takes place Dec. 26-Jan. 5, in Montreal and Toronto.

Bracco, who is eligible for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft and recently signed his NLI to play college hockey at Boston College, leads the U18s with 32 assists and ranks second with 44 points in just 25 games. Matthews, a 2016 NHL Draft prospect, boasts a team-best 20 goals and 45 points.

Other NTDP players include forwards J.T. Compher (Northbrook, Ill./2011-13), Jack Eichel (North Chelmsford, Mass./2012-14), Anthony Louis (Winfield, Ill./2011-13), Michael McCarron (Macomb, Mich./2011-13), Sonny Milano (Massapequa, N.Y./2012-14), Tyler Motte (St. Clair, Mich./2011-13), John Hayden (Greenwich, Conn./2011-13), Alex Tuch (Baldwinsville, N.Y./2012-14), Dylan Larkin (Waterford, Mich./2012-14) and Hudson Fasching (Apple Valley, Minn./2011-13); defensemen Noah Hanifin (Norwood, Mass./2013-14), Will Butcher (Sun Prairie, Wis./2011-13), Ryan Collins (Bloomington, Minn./2012-14), Steve Santini (Mahopac, N.Y./2011-13), Zach Werenski (Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich./2013-14) and Jack Dougherty (Cottage Grove, Minn./2013-14); and goaltender Thatcher Demko (San Diego, Calif./2012-13).

Additionally, Under-18 Team head coach Don Granato and equipment manager Jake Visser will serve as members of the 2015 U.S. National Junior Team staff.