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Penguins prospect Will Horcoff ready for breakout World Juniors performance for Team USA


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Jack Sutherland
December 25, 2025  (3:54 PM)
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Penguins' Will Horcoff
Photo credit: PensBurgh

Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Will Horcoff, the son of former Edmonton Oilers forward Shawn Horcoff, is ready for a breakout performance for Team USA in the upcoming 2026 World Junior Championships.

One of the many prospects that the Pittsburgh Penguins have is the son of a prominent former NHL forward. Will Horcoff, the son of former Edmonton Oilers forward Shawn Horcoff, is tearing it up with the NCAA's University of Michigan Wolverines.
He has 28 points (19G, 9A) in just 20 games, and he'll be on Team USA for the upcoming World Junior Championships that begin tomorrow, with the gold medal game taking place on January 5.
He's earned recognition from analyst Steven Ellis, who predicts that he'll play on Team USA's first line with Boston Bruins prospect James Hagens and Buffalo Sabres prospect Brodie Ziemer.
After scoring twice against Germany, Horcoff looked great again today with a good first-period goal. He does an excellent job of rushing to the net and using his big frame to bully opponents. He also has quick hands, something that very few players his size manage to replicate. Horcoff likely has played his way onto the top line with James Hagens and Brodie Ziemer for good. - Steven Ellis

Will Horcoff Excels In Both Physical Play And Speed

Per his scouting report via Elite Prospects, Horcoff excels with both physical skill and speed.
Horcoff's defensive dimension stands out as a separator. His game is fueled by physical skill and proactive reads, and his range, strength, and subsequent lane clogging further enhance his disruption qualities. Off the backcheck, he's a goliath, pressuring puck carriers to the outside, swinging into inside positioning, and leveraging positioning and processing to create stops. Furthermore, he's a skilled playmaker who leverages time and space to break down defenders into overreactions. - Elite Prospects

Last year with the U.S. National U18 Team, Horcoff had 14 points (6G, 8A) in 28 games.
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Penguins prospect Will Horcoff ready for breakout World Juniors performance for Team USA

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