Team USA makes two cuts to world juniors roster

• Another defenseman will be cut after USA receives medical report
• Top draft prospect Seth Jones is named an alternate captain
• USA will open tournament against Germany

Team USA began to finalize its roster for the world junior championships Sunday morning when coaches cut first-round picks Stefan Matteau and Brady Skjei.

USA coach Phil Housley also named Buffalo Sabres draft pick Jake McCabe captain. The alternates will be Seth Jones (who's projected to go either first or second in the 2013 draft) and J.T. Miller (New York Rangers), plus Cole Bardreau (undrafted) and Jacob Trouba (Winnipeg Jets). Because the team has four alternate captains, two will wear the 'A' when USA wears its white jersey and the other two will wear an "A" when the team dresses in blue.

Matteau, a forward taken by the New Jersey Devils, is the son of former NHL player Stephane Matteau. Skjei, a defenseman, was drafted by the New York Rangers..

The Americans plans to cut one more defenseman but are waiting to see a medical report on an undisclosed player before making that decision.

"The decisions we made today were very difficult," said Jim Johannson, general manager of the U.S. team.

The Americans, trying to win their third WJC medal in four seasons, will open the tournament Thursday against Germany in Ufa, Russia (9 a.m. ET, NHL Network).