Hermantown native and New York Rangers defenseman Neal Pionk was one of 23 players named by USA Hockey to the initial U.S. Men's National Team roster for the 2018 IIHF Men's World Championship that begins Friday and runs through May 20 in Copenhagen and Herning, Denmark.
The 22-year-old Pionk just wrapped up his first professional season after manning the blue line at Minnesota Duluth for two seasons from 2015-2017.
Pionk started his rookie year in the American Hockey League with the Rangers' top affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, totaling one goal and 16 assists in 48 games. He got his first NHL call up in early February and finished the year with the Rangers, amassing one goal and 13 assists in 28 games.
The U.S. will play an exhibition against Denmark on Tuesday in Herning before opening preliminary play Friday against Canada.
