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USHL Lincoln Stars

Kleber Named to U.S. Junior Select Team

November 16, 2023 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release


Lincoln Stars defenseman Adam Kleber has been named to the United States Junior Select Team by USA Hockey for the 2023 World Junior A Challenge from Dec. 10-17 in Truro, Nova Scotia.

Kleber, 17, has two goals and two assists in the first 14 games of the 2023-24 USHL season. He is one-of-six Stars to skate in each of the first 14 games of the season and leads team defensemen in points. Both of Kleber's goals have been game-winners, making him just the fifth player in franchise history since 2002 to achieve that feat for each of his first two USHL goals.

"It's really cool to represent my country," Kleber said. "Just to do it with a new group of guys this time and try to get a gold medal for this country is a pretty special feeling. (Putting on the USA jersey) gives you a little bit extra to play for. You're representing your country and you want to give your best and show your best when you're playing for them."

The Chaska, Minn. native has appeared in 70 regular-season games over the last two campaigns with the Stars, 56 of which cam last season. Kleber also suited up in eight postseason games last spring as the youngest member of the team on the Stars' run to the Western Conference Finals. He recorded 17 points (4+13) in 28 games at Chaska High School in 2021-22 in his only season of high-school hockey. Kleber represented the United States at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in August and helped the Americans capture third place.

This is the second in-season honor that Kleber has received after previously being listed as a C-rated prospect on NHL Central Scouting's Preliminary Watchlist. That rating means that Kleber projects as a fourth-to-fifth round selection in the 2024 NHL Draft in June.

"It's really exciting for Adam to have another opportunity to represent our country," head coach Rocky Russo said. "I know that's something that he takes very seriously. He's a young man that's very focused and determined and we're seeing his development start to come through. We're excited to see him play on the international stage."

The World Junior A Hockey Challenge pits some of the top 18-and-under prospects from around the world against each other. This year's tournament will feature Canada East, Canada West, Slovakia, Sweden and the United States. The five teams are made up of players born in 2005 and 2006, with a maximum of five 2004-born players allowed on each team.

The United States is looking to defend its gold-medal run last season. All players representing the U.S. are current players in the USHL. The full roster can be viewed at teamusa.usahockey.com/2023wjacroster.

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