Sioux Falls, S.D. - Three members of the Stampede were named to the USA Hockey U.S. Junior Select Team on Tuesday. John McNelis and Austin Baker will skate as forwards for the group while Stampede Associate Head Coach Brandon Wildung will serve as an assistant coach. The group will compete at the 2024 World Junior A Challenge, in Camrose, A.B., starting on December 9th. 

Forward John McNelis currently leads the Stampede in goals with nine. The Potomac, M.D., native is in his second full season with the Herd earning 38 points in 62 games in his first season. The Boston University commit has 13 points (9g, 4a) through 14 games this season. Additionally, McNelis was named an alternate captain at the beginning of the season. 

Austin Baker will join McNelis on the front end at the 2024 World Junior A Challenge. The Michigan State commit was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Baker is in his first season with the Stampede after playing for the US National Team Development Program, NTDP, for two seasons. In 25 USHL games, last season, the White Lake Township, M.I., native earned 14 points with 10 goals and 4 assists. Through 14 games, Baker has 8 points with 4 goals and 4 assists. Like McNelis, Baker was named an alternate captain for the Stampede at the beginning of the season. With Stampede captain Brock James spending time on the injured reserve, Baker will wear a C. 

Stampede Associate Head Coach, Brandon Wildung, will be on the bench during the tournament. Wildung is in his first season as the Herd's Associate Head Coach but previously served as an assistant coach for the team during the 2022-23 season. Wildung will serve as an assistant alongside Andy Brandt, of the Madison Capitols, and  Tyler Haskins, of the Chicago Steel. Matt Smaby of the Waterloo Blackhawks will head the crew as the U.S. Junior Select Team Head Coach. The full 2024 U.S. Junior Select Team roster can be found HERE. 

The full team will start preliminary tournament action on December 9, when they take on Canada East. The full tournament schedule can be found HERE. 

McNelis and Baker, along with the rest of the Stampede will return to the ice on Friday, in Omaha, to take on the Lancers in a 7:05 pm game. They will then return to the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center on Saturday for the organization's annual Military Appreciation Night. The first 1,000 fans will receive a camo Stampede hat thanks to Royal River Casino and Hotel. The Stampede will also wear special military jerseys that will be raffled off throughout the game. Tickets to Saturday's game can be purchased here.