Columbus Blue Jackets Fall in 2017 Traverse Tournament Final
The Columbus Blue Jackets prospects fall in the Traverse City tournament championship game 3-2 in overtime to the Chicago Blackhawks.
In an exciting overtime game, the Columbus Blue Jackets fall to the Chicago Blackhawks prospects 3-2. Alex DeBrincat scored on a puck he batted out of the air after a peculiar bounce off the glass. The puck came of the glass, behind the goal then came back over the crossbar for the bat in.
The Columbus Blue Jackets got on the board with an impressive goal from Calvin Thurkauf. It came after two great passes from some of the CBJ’s top prospects Pierre-Luc Dubois and Vitaly Abramov.
BOOM. 1-0!
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) September 12, 2017
→https://t.co/MrZbf6KzT5#CBJ pic.twitter.com/DQMV0mL32C
Later in the first period, a free agent invite lit the lamp to extend the lead for the Jackets to 2-0. Hayden Hodgson, who has been a bight spot for the team scored his third goal of the tournament.
Hodgson makes it 2-0!
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) September 12, 2017
→https://t.co/MrZbf6KzT5#CBJ pic.twitter.com/XrvuiThgk4
Chicago came back in the second period and scored twice including a goal by Alex DeBrincat. The Jackets and Blackhawks had a scoreless third period that brought about the 2-2 overtime.
A Great Week in Northern Michigan
The tournament, although not ending in an ideal way, was still a rousing success for the squad. The team has plenty of bright stars to look forward to playing.
Calvin Thurkauf was everything I hoped he could be and more. He dominated on the ice and stood out even though he played with two other stud players. Thurkauf was second in the tournament in points and first in assist.
Thurkauf led Tourney in assts & was 2nd-T in pts (1-6-7). Abramov was 5th-T w/ 6 pts. Bittner, Dubois & Hodgson, 4th-T in goals (3). #CBJ
— CBJ Public Relations (@BlueJacketsPR) September 13, 2017
The guy that scored the second goal is a the most surprising name on the tweet above. Hayden Hodgson is a free agent invite to the prospect tournament and camp that clearly made his mark. His three goals were good for fourth in the entire tournament.
Hodgson is set to play at the University of New Brunswick next season after some rough seasons in the OHL. He struggled to find his way until last season when he broke through with 66 points in 65 games. With a strong camp he could find himself with a contract and a new lease in Cleveland.
Next: Josh Anderson Should Be Trade Bait
All told it was a great tournament for the Jackets. Several players will come into camp with some big momentum and a real shot to crack the NHL roster. Some will be fighting for their pro hockey careers. It’s set up to be the best training camp in Columbus Blue Jackets history.