The 2018 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship is set for Buffalo, New York, from Dec. 26, 2017 - Jan. 5, 2018, and will include the first ever outdoor game in tournament play when the United States takes on Canada at New Era Field on Dec. 29.

Motzko, who led the U.S. to a gold medal in his international head coaching debut, aims to lead the U.S. to back-to-back gold medal finishes for the first time ever.

"I'm deeply honored that USA Hockey has asked me and my staff to lead the United States in this event once again," said Motzko. "While winning gold was special, the opportunity to win gold on home ice is even more enticing. We're excited to work together again and begin our journey towards another gold medal at our National Junior Evaluation Camp in August."

Head men's ice hockey coach of his alma mater, St. Cloud State University, Motzko is representing the United States for a third time. In addition to his gold-medal head coaching performance last year, Motzko served as an assistant coach for the 2014 U.S. National Junior Team at the IIHF World Junior Championship in Malmo, Sweden.

In his 12 seasons at the helm of St. Cloud State, the 2014 NCHC Coach of the Year and two-time WCHA Coach of the Year (2007, 2006), has produced seven 20 or more win seasons; seven NCAA tournament appearances; one NCAA Frozen Four appearance; two regular-season conference titles (one each: WCHA, NCHC); and one NCHC Frozen Faceoff Championship.