NY Islanders Quinn Finley named to Team USA for World Junior A Challenge

NY Islanders prospect Quinn Finley was among 21 players selected to represent Team USA at the World Junior A Challenge in Cornwall, ON, from December 11-18.

The third-round pick of the Islanders will be one of five 2022 NHL draftees to pull on the red, white, and blue sweater, joined by Sam Rinzel (Chicago Blackhawks, first round), Garret Brown (Winnipeg Jets, fourth round) Alex Bump (Philadelphia Flyers, fifth round), and Jake Richard (Buffalo Sabres, sixth round).

As the second-highest-drafted player on this year's team behind only Rinzel, Finley will be seen as a leader and driving force of this year's group. Finley has been off to a hot start this season with the Madison Capitols, contributing 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in the team's first 12 games.

Team USA has been remarkably successful in this tournament, claiming gold in five of the previous eight installments. This will be the first time the contest has been held since 2019, with the last two being canceled due to the Covid pandemic. The roster will consist of all current USHL players.

The World Junior A Challenge differs from the World Junior Championships as you will not see players currently playing in the CHL or the NCAA lacing up the skates here. Though Junior A hockey is still exceptionally competitive and produces some outstanding players, it's considered to be a tier below Major Junior hockey.

The stars and stripes begin play on December 11th as they take on Canada West. In the five-team round-robin format, they will also see Sweden, Canada East, and Latvia, respectively. The top four teams will advance to the medal round.

Since being drafted by the Isles, this will be the first opportunity for Finley and Isles fans to see how the 18-year-old measures up against the top junior talents in the world.