Tuesday, September 2, 2014
31 Set for U.S. Prospects Game
Third annual event will showcase top players eligible for 2015 NHL Draft.
The 2014 CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game, which will be held Sept. 25 at Buffalo’s First Niagara Center, will feature at least 31 current and future NCAA players among the 42 participants.
Three of the players – Boston University’s Jack Eichel, Boston College’s Noah Hanafin and Michigan’s Zach Werenski – will play college hockey in 2014-15. Each is considered a likely first-round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.
The 31 NCAA players represent 16 schools. Werenski is one of five Michigan players or recruits on the roster, leading all NCAA teams. Boston College (four), Miami (three) and Notre Dame (three) also have at least three players taking part.
The third annual event assembles the top U.S. players who are eligible for the 2015 NHL Draft.
“This game has developed into an exciting opportunity for the best players in the United States to showcase their skills on a national stage,” said former Wisconsin star Jim Johansson, USA Hockey’s assistant executive director of hockey operations. “Input from the NHL scouting community is that this year’s game will feature the highest level of talent to date for this event. We greatly appreciate the support of the Buffalo Sabres organization, which has proven to be an outstanding partner in this event.
In addition to the 31 NCAA players and committed players, four participants in this year’s game remain NCAA eligible but are yet to commit to a school: Ryan Bednard, Caleb Jones, Chase Pearson and Ryan Smith.