BURLINGTON, Vt. — With the new college hockey season approaching, University of Vermont players have returned to campus for off-season workouts. Among them is incoming freshman defenseman Caeden Herrington, who will soon be taking a brief break from Burlington for an important opportunity.

The Manchester native has been invited to Minneapolis to take part in the 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase, where he’ll skate with Team USA. The camp serves as a key step in the selection process for the U.S. roster at the IIHF World Junior Championship. If selected, Herrington would become the first Catamount to compete in the tournament for either the United States or Canada since Connor Brickley represented the U.S. in 2012.

Herrington, a former Burr and Burton Academy standout and recent fourth-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Kings, says he is eager for the chance to continue developing his game against top players in his age group.

“Anytime you get to wear the USA jersey, it’s something you can’t take for granted,” Herrington said. “I’m going to go there, compete hard, and see what happens. Then it’s right back here, focusing on my teammates. The ultimate goal is helping UVM’s program grow this season.”