Jamie Glance’s stats tell a fascinating story. 

The forward recorded 29 points in 51 games last season with the U.S. National Team Development Program Under-17 Team. He had 99 shots on goal and scored one game-winning goal. 

Now playing for the U.S. National Development Program Under-18 Team, Glance is already close to surpassing his point total from last season. He has 26 points in 33 games, a trio of game-winning goals and is already closing in on 100 shots on goal for the season. 

“He’s had a big jump from last year to this year, he was very inconsistent last year, it took him a while to figure out how hard it was at this level and how to compete on a daily basis,” Under-18 coach Nick Fohr said. “He might be the most improved player from year to year for us.”

So, what changed?

“I grew in all parts of the game, but first off defensively I learned a ton last season,” Glance said. “In the D zone, my stick and body position are in much better places now, I’m able to build off that. I also got stronger and grew a ton in the gym. That’s such a key part of it.”

Glance will get another opportunity to show his improvement this week when he plays for Team Blue at the 2026 Chipotle All-American Game on Thursday at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan. The game, which features top draft-eligible prospects from the NTDP and USHL, will start at 7 p.m. and be shown on NHL Network. 

For Glance, a Boston University commit, it’s an exciting proposition to compete against some of his typical NTDP teammates who will be playing for Team White. 

“We compete in practice all the time and I’ve played against a lot of these guys before [I got to the NTDP], but this is a fun opportunity to really see and test yourselves against your teammates in a real game,” Glance said. “There’s going to be some fun bragging rights after this.”

While this is considered one of the marquee showcases for the 2026 draft class, Glance actually won’t be draft eligible until 2027 and will be one of the youngest players in the game. He turns 18 in late September, missing the Sept. 15 cutoff for draft eligibility. 

Glance said that’s a bit of a blessing for him. While all of his teammates have to worry about draft stock for this coming June, he’s been able to build out for a bit further down the line and he thinks that will better showcase his growth.

“I really think so, the timing of this is going to be ideal, I can get a big stronger, prove myself in college next season, and while it’s a bit weird not having the same thoughts as everyone else [who is draft eligible], I’m finding a way to make the most of it,” Glance said. 

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.