Rangers Defenseman Will Borgen Named to USA Roster for World Championship

The New York Rangers are home for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which means their roster is open for players to participate in the upcoming IIHF World Championship. And Will Borgen will get that opportunity after the United States named the Rangers defenseman to its preliminary roster Thursday.

Borgen last represented the United States in international competition as a 21-year-old at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, which did not feature NHL players. He also wore the Stars and Stripes at the 2016 World Junior Championship, when he helped the U.S. capture a bronze medal.

USA Hockey was among the last federations to announce its roster. Borgen was the only Rangers player chosen for the United States team, but he will join fellow defenseman Urho Vaakanainen, who was previously chosen to play for Finland. The tournament runs from May 15-31 in Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland.

The United States will train in Manheim, Germany on Friday and play three tune-up games there. The U.S. opens the tournament against host Switzerland on May 15 at 8:20 a.m. ET.

Rosters will be continually adjusted based on injuries and when NHL players are available after their postseasons end.

Will Borgen joins Team USA at Worlds after solid season with Rangers

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Borgen logged a career-high 18:03 TOI this season and equaled his career best by scoring five goals. He finished with 15 points in 75 games, playing a shutdown role on the second pair most of the season.

The 29-year-old was third on the Rangers with 99 blocked shots, and fifth with 111 hits.