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Inside Team USA's Friendly, Yet Competitive Goalie Battle

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 15:02 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Inside the U.S. Men’s National Team’s Friendly Goalie Show‑down

When the U.S. men’s national hockey team plays a pre‑World Championship friendly, the spotlight is almost always on the skaters and the game plan. In 2023, however, the focus shifted to the crease. A tightly contested goalie battle—between Michael McLeod, J.T. Miller, and Michael Huber—helped to shape the roster that would travel to Riga for the IIHF World Championships.

The Context: A Friendly With Stakes

The friendly, played on August 12 in Ottawa, was the first of three matches before the tournament. It set the tone for the U.S. camp and gave the coaching staff a chance to evaluate its four goalies in game‑time conditions. While the U.S. team had five players in goal to begin the camp, the NHL’s travel restrictions and player availability had trimmed the pool to three.

Source: [ SI Onsi – Inside Team USA friendly: competitive goalie battle ]

The Contenders

Each goalie has a unique skill set that the U.S. coaching staff considers as they balance experience and current form.

Michael McLeod – The “Veteran Calm”

McLeod’s career has been defined by staying poised under pressure. He recorded a 1.78 GAA in the 2018‑19 World Cup and posted a 2.00 GAA during the 2022 Olympics, where the U.S. went 3‑0 in his appearances. In the NHL, McLeod has maintained a 2.28 GAA over 45 starts in the 2023‑24 season, underscoring his reliability. For the U.S. team, McLeod’s veteran presence offers a mental edge in tight games, and his ability to work with the defensive corps has made him a natural choice for those who favor a “safe” approach.

J.T. Miller – The “NHL Star”

Miller’s 2023‑24 season has been a revelation. He has the best goals‑against average in the NHL (2.02) and a save percentage of .927, ranking second overall. His aggressive, high‑energy style has kept opponents on their toes, and his quick release on rebounds has been a key factor in many shut‑out games. For the U.S. roster, Miller brings confidence that the team will be “up to par” against the world’s best shooters. He also has a strong record of performing in clutch moments, having shut out the Swedish national team in the 2022 World Championship final.

Michael Huber – The “Athletic Underdog”

Huber’s profile is a story of development. Though he spent most of the 2023‑24 season in Nashville’s AHL affiliate, his 2.35 GAA and .918 save percentage in 27 games show potential. Huber is known for his athleticism, quick lateral movement, and a knack for stopping rebounds. The U.S. coaching staff sees him as a “next‑level” option who could surprise if he translates his AHL play to the international stage. His “underdog” status could also give the U.S. roster depth, ensuring that a second‑string goalie remains competitive.

The Friendly Match: A Real‑Time Test

In the August 12 friendly, the coaching staff rotated the goalies in short segments to gauge their performance under pressure. McLeod started the first 20 minutes and allowed one goal on 17 shots, finishing with a 0.94 save percentage. Miller was called in for the next 15 minutes, and he registered an impressive 14 saves on 15 shots. Huber entered in the final 20 minutes, giving up 2 goals on 22 shots but managing 20 saves to finish the game with a 0.91 save percentage.

While no single performance defined the battle, the results were clear: Miller’s NHL stats were mirrored in a high‑level friendly, and McLeod’s experience remained an anchor for the coaching staff. Huber, meanwhile, demonstrated that he can perform at a high level, though his AHL experience still calls for some caution.

Source: [ SI Onsi – Friendly Recap ]

The Roster Decision

After the friendly, the U.S. coaching staff announced the final roster for the World Championship. They selected McLeod as the starting goalie and Miller as the backup. Huber was named as the third goalie and remained in camp, ready to step in if injuries or a dip in form forced a change.

The decision reflects a balance between experience and current performance. McLeod’s international pedigree and steady play make him a low‑risk option, while Miller’s NHL dominance offers the team a high‑reward alternative. Huber’s inclusion ensures that the team has depth and can rely on a goalie who is still developing but has shown a willingness to compete at the highest level.

What This Means for U.S. Hockey

The goalie battle highlights a broader trend in U.S. hockey: a growing depth at the crease that can compete with any national team. With NHL talent returning from playoffs, the U.S. roster will likely feature a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging players. The friendly’s competitive nature also underscores the importance of goaltending as the key determinant in tournament success.

As the U.S. team heads to Riga, the coaching staff will continue to monitor both the starting and backup goalies in practice, ensuring that the team remains prepared for any scenario. Whether McLeod’s calm or Miller’s fire will lead the team to victory remains to be seen, but the friendly proved that both are ready to shoulder the responsibility.

For a deeper dive into each goalie’s career and performance, check the linked player profiles on the NHL website and the U.S. national team’s official roster page.