Adam Kleber, a rising sophomore defenseman at the University of Minnesota Duluth, is working diligently to enhance his performance ahead of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. The 2025 tournament left a significant mark on him as he stood on the blue line, proudly singing the national anthem of the United States in Ottawa, Canada. This moment serves as a personal motivator as he participates in USA Hockey’s World Junior Summer Showcase at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
The showcase features teams from the U.S., Canada, Finland, and Sweden, with exhibition games scheduled to continue through Saturday at Ridder Arena. This event is part of the selection process for the upcoming World Junior Championship, which will take place in December and January at Mariucci Arena and the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Minnesota Duluth will also host pre-tournament games in December.
Kleber’s Commitment to Team Success
Kleber, a second-round pick by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2024 NHL Draft, expressed his determination to represent his country in January. “You don’t want to be singing any other team’s national anthem. That’s a real motivator, especially having it be in Minnesota,” he stated. The U.S. team is aiming for its third consecutive gold medal, and Kleber hopes to contribute significantly this time around.
Reflecting on his previous World Junior experience, where he recorded just one assist in six games, Kleber aims to take on a more impactful role. “I’m just trying to take a bigger role, trying to command more on the ice and have more of a killer mentality out there,” he said. His commitment to improvement is evident as he strives to demonstrate his growth to the coaching staff, led by Bob Motzko.
Physical Development and Future Goals
This summer, Kleber has focused on his physical conditioning, working out in the Twin Cities and prioritizing strength and mobility. He has noticeably increased his presence on the ice, standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 210 pounds. Last season, he recorded two goals and three assists in 33 games with the Bulldogs. “Just a big, strong, positive presence,” Motzko remarked regarding Kleber’s development. “We watch it year after year; returning players take that next step.”
The split-squad games against Sweden and Finland on Sunday and Monday marked Kleber’s first competitive play since the Bulldogs’ season ended on March 15, 2025. The U.S. will combine its two teams for further exhibitions at Ridder Arena later this week. With the Bulldogs not scheduled to play again until their season opener against the Alaska Nanooks in Fairbanks on October 3-4, Kleber eagerly anticipates the opportunity to compete.
“It’s getting to the point where I’m hitting the wall in the offseason with working out,” Kleber admitted. “You just want to start playing games and get the season rolling.” His enthusiasm for the game and commitment to improving both his skills and impact on the ice signal a bright future ahead as he pursues both personal and team success.
