World Jr. Summer Showcase on tap; Whalers reunion set for Agganis Arena

Seven Terriers will participate in USA Hockey’s World Junior Summer Showcase, featuring candidates for this winter’s World Junior Championships in Buffalo. The event begins Friday at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan.

Five BU players are rostered on two U.S. squads: Chad Krys and Logan Cockerill are on the Blue squad, while Jake Oettinger, Patrick Harper and Brady Tkachuk are on the White squad. Dante Fabbro (photo) will skate for Canada, while Kasper Kotkansalo will be on Finland’s blueline.

NHL.com will air the final six games of the tournament on August 2, 4 & 5. HockeyTV (pay-per-view) will stream the first six games.

● WJSS home page; schedule; rosters

● USA Hockey: NHL.com to televise WJSS

Oettinger is coming off a strong performance at Dallas development camp. He was a Stars’ first-round draft pick last month.

● NHL.com Oettinger could be Stars’ future #1 goaltender

After a good showing in Red Wings development camp, Kotkansalo played for Finland in exhibition games against The Czech Republic.

#U20fi: Kasper Kotkansalo looked one of the best Finns in 2 games vs Czechs. Strong on PK, good stick, simple but effective plays #RedWings

— Marco Bombino (@marco_bombino) July 26, 2017

Olympic Hockey

USA Today’s look at potential U.S. team members for the 2018 games includes Jordan Greenway, former captain and All-American Matt Gilroy and former Beanpot MVP Chris Bourque (photo).

● USA Today report

Looking ahead

HockeyProspect.com's early look at the first round of the 2018 NHL draft ranks Joel Farabee #3 and Tkachuk #4, while Jake Wise received honorable mention.

Looking back

Matt Nieto has signed a one-year contract with Colorado. After beginning his career in San Jose, he was acquired by the Avalanche last season.

● NHL.com report

BU Athletics Hall of Famer Jack O’Callahan turned 60 earlier this week. Co-captain and All-American on BU’s 1978 national championship team, he played seven NHL season with Chicago and New Jersey, after winning Olympic gold with the USA 1980 Miracle on Ice team.

● Sports Illustrated: No stopping these Boston University locals

Agganis Arena will host this Saturday’s reunion of the 1972-73 New England Whalers. Led by legendary BU coach Jack Kelley, who was the Whalers’ first coach and general manager, New England won the WHA’s inaugural AVCO Cup championship. 

Four Terriers skated for that team: John Danby, All-American captain of BU’s 1972 national champions; All-American Mike Hyndman; Ric Jordan; and All-American Bob Brown. In addition, two other BU All-Americans, Jack Ferreira and Richie Green were Whaler scouts. More BU connections: Statistician/Adm. Assistant Chris Henes and equipment manager Skip Cunningham.