It's a busy week for USA Hockey in Buffalo. As the city prepares to host an annual game featuring the nation's top pro prospects, hopes are raised that an international tourney will soon be returning.
USA Hockey and Buffalo Sabres officials hosted a news conference on Tuesday afternoon. First on their agenda was discussion of Thursday night's All-American Prospects Game. That game will be played by top US-born players eligible for next year's National Hockey League entry draft.
Among those praising Buffalo's role as a host was Sabres rookie Jack Eichel, who skated in last year's event and was named its Most Outstanding Player.
"The Prospects Game has come a long way from the first one that was played here a few years ago," said Eichel. "Last year for me, personally, it was an unbelievable event and it was a great kickoff to my season. With college just starting in October it was a good way to begin my year and get some exposure."
USA Hockey officials also discussed Buffalo's chances to host the 2018 International Ice Hockey Federation's World Junior Championship. Buffalo hosted the 2011 event, which split games between First Niagara Center in downtown Buffalo and Niagara University. Since then, HarborCenter has been constructed, putting two rinks including one suitable for tournament crowds - next door to First Niagara Center. That, say USA Hockey officials, is a plus.
"From energy and excitement, and to have the proximity of the games just adds to the event," said Jim Johannson, assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey.
Buffalo is one of three finalists for the 2018 tournament. The others are Pittsburgh and St. Louis. Local officials are highly confident this city will again be welcoming international hockey fans to downtown Buffalo.
"We've had an incredible visit over the last couple of days," said Sabres president Russ Brandon. "We're thrilled to be a finalist, but as we all know here in Buffalo that is not our goal to be a finalist. We want the World Juniors back here."
