Dominic James Prepared for World Juniors Debut
December 23, 2021 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release
Growing up in Plymouth, MI, Dominic James constantly found himself in USA Hockey Arena. He's stepped foot in that building as a member of Compuware, Little Caesars, and most recently, the Lincoln Stars.
Two weeks ago, he entered the rink fighting for a chance to represent his country at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship. Today, he dons the United States sweater for the first time as the Americans take on Finland in the pre-tournament game at Rogers Place in Edmonton, AB. It's a moment the 19-year-old still can't truly believe.
"I couldn't be more excited to represent my country on the biggest stage," James said. "It's going to be a surreal moment; I'm probably just going to try to soak as much as I can up and really take a good look around and realize this is actually happening."
In his freshman season at the University of Minnesota Duluth, James has racked up nine points (two goals, seven assists) in 17 games. In his last ten games, he's registered seven points. With his school currently ranked No. 6 in the nation, James has quickly realized the National Collegiate Hockey Conference demands a special mentality in order to find success.
"Going to Duluth, you have to be prepared for every practice like it's a game, especially playing with the older guys," James said. "It's been really good playing with my two linemates [Quinn Olson and Blake Biondi]; I've been really consistent with them. I've just been coming to the rink every with the same mindset whether it's a practice or a workout. It's the NCHC, so you have to be ready."
The same can be said about the World Juniors, a historic tournament compiling the top players under 20 years old from around the world. After a solid start to his first year of college hockey, James was told he was on his country's radar.
"After the Icebreaker Tournament when we played Michigan and Providence, my advisor let me know that it could be a possibility that I could be getting an invite and that they'd be watching me," James said. "I just tried to elevate my game the best I could and I put that it in the back of my mind that could be a possibility."
As James embarks on this incredible opportunity, Stars fans will be cheering proudly from over 1,400 miles away.
James played two seasons in Lincoln, scoring 14 goals and adding 34 assists from 2019-21. In 2020-21, he led all Stars players in points with 34. It was an emotional goodbye for Dom after scoring in his last appearance at home last April, which also happened to be his 100th USHL game.
Dominic James scores in his 100th career USHL game on April 23rd, 2021.
"The Ice Box is the best atmosphere in junior hockey, so playing there every single night was incredible," James said. "The people around me made my time there awesome; they really prepared me to progress in my career and do these things. I'm definitely thankful for my time in Lincoln."
Stars fans will also be rooting for Kaidan Mbereko, who joins James on Team USA's roster as the only other American with Lincoln ties.
"Me and Berky have been talking about that a lot, actually," James said. "We've been throwing little stuff around about Lincoln, laughing and having fun with it. Berky's a great guy and I'm happy to have that connection through the city and the team."
One moment in particular that could have been brought up has to be James' first USHL goal ... which came against Mbereko and the Team USA Under-17s on January 17th, 2020. The scene where the memorable tally took place? USA Hockey Arena.
"I think that was my last real hockey memory as a player at that rink," James recalled. "I can still remember the story with Urds (Zach Urdahl) dreaming about my goal the night before and it actually happening the next day. It's definitely special and I think about it a lot whenever I look back at that rink."
While the United States play their first pre-tournament game today against Finland at 1 p.m. CT, their first preliminary round game against Slovakia will take place on December 26th in Red Deer, AB. Click here for Team USA's full schedule.
United States Hockey League Stories from December 23, 2021
- Dominic James Prepared for World Juniors Debut - Lincoln Stars
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