ST. PAUL, Minn. — James Hagens ensures that a victory for the United States Junior National Team at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship is an even greater triumph for those in need.
The 18-year-old Boston College center has partnered with Feeding America to create “Hagens’ Helpers,” an initiative to bring hope, health and support to individuals and families who need it most.
He and his teammates wasted no time getting there. a 6-3 victory against Germany in the first match of Group A of the 2026 WJC preliminary round at the Grand Casino Arena on Friday.
“Just being able to represent your country as a leader of the team, as a guy that people look up to, is great,” said Hagens, who is playing in his second consecutive world junior tournament. “It was a really cool moment to step on the ice (Friday), especially when you get on the ice and everyone is waving their towels. Feeling like everyone is on your side, it’s really different.”
The United States has won two WJC titles in a row and three in the last five years. No country has won three in a row since Canada’s five-game winning streak from 2005 to 2009.
“It’s such an honor to be a part of USA Hockey and knowing the legacy of the program, all the great players that lived through it, it reminds me of the power that hockey brings and how it brings people together,” Hagens said. “I remember hearing about Feeding America and thought why not use my platform to be able to give back.
“Growing up, wanting to play in this tournament as a kid and having the opportunity to play in it now, it’s something that I’m very grateful for and I really wanted to give back in some way.”
Hagens will donate after every U.S. victory in the tournament and asks his friends, supporters and fans to do the same to support his great cause.
“I will personally donate and hope others will do the same,” he said. “When I was growing up, a lot of players that I looked up to did things like that, and still do today. So to be able to be in a position where I can do that now is a huge honor and it’s something I’m very proud of.”
Hagens’ campaign goal is to raise $50,000.
“We’ve had a lot of opportunities at Boston College to give back to the community, which has been great,” Hagens said. “But this is my first time working with Feeding America and I’m really excited.”
Hagens had an assist and made 10 of 14 faceoffs in 18:04 of ice time in Friday’s win.
“Growing up as a kid and being able to see all my role models, all the NHL guys and people I looked up to, doing things like that, it was always great to see,” Hagens said. “Being able to use my platform now to give back, it’s a really cool honor and it’s even more motivation to get the W.”
For every U.S. win, Hagens will make a donation while select partners and sponsors will match Hagens’ gifts or help multiply the impact. Just one dollar would provide at least 10 meals guaranteed by Feeding America on behalf of local partner food banks.
“Playing for the United States means everything to me,” Hagens said. “But taking this moment to help children who are facing real challenges means even more.”
To donate, visit this link.
