ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Fifteen players with ties to USA Hockey's National Team Development Program were named to the 2015 U.S. National Junior Team roster today (Dec. 25), including current U.S. National Under-18 Team forward Auston Matthews (Scottsdale, Ariz.).

The 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship takes place Dec. 26-Jan. 5, in Montreal and Toronto. All games of the tournament can be seen live on NHL Network and NHL.com in the United States.

Matthews, a 2016 NHL Draft prospect, boasts a team-best 24 goals and 49 points in just 27 games played.

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), 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) and Zach Werenski (Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich./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.