Four University of Denver hockey players are participating in the World Junior Summer Showcase in Windsor, Ontario, as they vie for spots on their national teams for the upcoming 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship. Incoming freshmen Mikey Berchild and Blake Fiddler are representing the United States, while Ryan Lin and Daxon Rudolph are with Canada. The showcase features intense practices and exhibition games as a precursor to the main tournament scheduled from December 26 to January 5 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta. While all players aim for the final rosters, only a select few will advance to training camp in December. Each player carries substantial international experience to this evaluation camp.

By the Numbers
  • Mikey Berchild recorded six points (4 goals, 2 assists) in five games at the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship.
  • Ryan Lin tied for first in scoring among all tournament defensemen at the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championships with six points (1 goal, 5 assists).
State of Play
  • The showcase began on July 22, with exhibition play starting July 26, and will conclude with a Canada-USA matchup on August 1.
  • Players are being evaluated by their respective national teams, influencing potential invitations to future training camps.
What's Next

The final rosters for the World Junior Championship will be determined in December, with some players potentially being called up for training camps based on their performances at the showcase. The upcoming tournament promises an intense showdown as nations prepare to compete for the gold medal.

Bottom Line

The performance of these four Denver players at the World Junior Summer Showcase could significantly impact their chances of making their national teams, emphasizing the importance of showcasing their skills on an international stage.