UND’s Jake Livanavage and Warroad’s Hampton Slukynsky Receive Invitations to U.S. World Junior Showcase

GRAND FORKS — Jake Livanavage, a defenseman set to join the University of North Dakota this fall, and Hampton Slukynsky, a goaltender from Warroad, have been extended invitations to attend USA Hockey’s annual summer showcase. The event serves as a platform for selecting the roster for the World Junior Championship.

Livanavage is among the 16 defensemen selected to participate in the showcase, while Slukynsky is one of the five chosen goalies. The event will take place from July 27 to August 4 at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, and will also feature players from Finland and Sweden.

The World Junior Championship, a highly anticipated tournament showcasing the world’s top under-20 players, is scheduled to be held from December 26 to January 5 in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Livanavage will be one of eight new defensemen on UND’s roster for the 2023-24 season. Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 174 pounds, the left-handed defenseman played the past three seasons for the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League. Notably, he was part of the Clark Cup-winning team in 2021. Livanavage has previously represented the United States in the World Junior A Challenge, where he secured a gold medal in Cornwall, Ontario.

Hailing from Gilbert, Arizona, Livanavage recorded six goals and 36 points in 48 games during his last season with the Steel.

Slukynsky, on the other hand, was awarded Minnesota’s Frank Brimsek Award as the top senior netminder in the state. He played a crucial role in guiding Warroad to a runner-up finish in Class A. With a height of 6-foot-1 and weighing 170 pounds, Slukynsky boasted impressive statistics, including a .941 save percentage, 1.47 goals-against average, and a remarkable 28-1-1 record. He also represented the U.S. Under-18 Team in two games and clinched a gold medal at the IIHF World Under-18 Tournament.

Both Livanavage and Slukynsky are eligible for the upcoming 2023 NHL Draft, scheduled to be held in Nashville over two days. While making the World Junior team may be a challenging feat for them, they have been recognized for their potential. Last year’s bronze-winning squad already includes returning players in the goalie, defense, and forward positions.

Another notable player receiving an invitation to the showcase is Eric Pohlkamp, a defenseman from Brainerd, Minnesota, who will be joining Bemidji State as a freshman.

A total of 44 players are expected to participate in the summer showcase, from which 23 will ultimately be selected to represent the U.S. and travel to Gothenburg for the World Junior Championship.