Summer International Tourneys Begin

Play began Saturday in USA Hockey's World Junior Summer Showcase, which is the first step in selecting the U.S. Junior National Team. The USA White squad dropped a 4-2 decision to Finland, but Lane Hutson made his presence felt. One of his patented rushes set up the White team's initial goal and late in the game, his home-run pass nearly led to a tying goal.

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Excellent zone entry and keep by Lane Hutson (MTL) with great vision to find Rutger McGroarty (WPG) in front. Team USA White 1-0 #WJSS pic.twitter.com/VMXSHv7mzn

— Ryan Sikes (@ryan_sikes10) July 29, 2023

● USA Hockey Day 1 recap

● NHL.com Hutson gets physical at World Junior Summer Showcase

●FloHockey.tv Day 1 standouts

 

Looking ahead

BU recruits John McNelis and Will Zellers led Team USA to a 4-1 win against Slovakia in a pre-tournament exhibition for this week's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup event in Czechia and Slovakia. After Slovakia took a 1-0 lead, Zellers connected on a power play to even the score.

In the second period, McNelis scored the eventual game-winner, connecting on his own rebound at the crease, with Zellers also picking up an assist.  

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John McNelis makes it a 2-1 USA lead after burying a second-chance opportunity that slipped past Martin Haronik. Great find from Tanner Henricks to set up the play #HlinkaGretzkyCup pic.twitter.com/dnEhly9xF3

— Ryan Sikes (@ryan_sikes10) July 30, 2023

Defenseman Owen Keefe had a solid game as did forward Callum Hughes who had a breakaway opportunity that was turned away.

McNelis was named US player of the game. Team USA plays Czechia today in its first preliminary round game. The contest will air on NHL Network at 1 p.m. ET.

● USA Hockey US tops Slovakia, 4-1 

● McKeen's Hockey Hlinka-Gretzky Cup top prospects 

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“I want to be a top defenceman on a team and someone who can lead a team to a championship. That’s my goal.”

Building Blue continues with 2023 #NHLDraft first-round pick, Tom Willander. 🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/mUV3kRw0ND

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) July 26, 2023

 

►WTBU Sports alum Jashvina Shah looks at the history one of college hockey's iconic barns, Princeton's Hobey Baker Rink, as it begins its second hundred years.  

● College Hockey News Baker at 100