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Columbus Blue Jackets Host USA Hockey WJC Camp

By Lansing Murphy

MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 5, 2017: The United States's players and coaching staff pose for a group photo after winning the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championships ice hockey final against Canada at Centre Bell. Team USA won the game 5-4 in a penalty shootout and claimed gold at the World Juniors. Yelena Rusko/TASS (Photo by Yelena RuskoTASS via Getty Images)
MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 5, 2017: The United States's players and coaching staff pose for a group photo after winning the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championships ice hockey final against Canada at Centre Bell. Team USA won the game 5-4 in a penalty shootout and claimed gold at the World Juniors. Yelena Rusko/TASS (Photo by Yelena RuskoTASS via Getty Images) /
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The Columbus Blue Jackets and Nationwide Arena are playing host to USA Hockey as they prepare for the World Junior Championship.

Today marks the opening of training camp for team USA as they prepare for the 2018 World Junior Championship in Buffalo New York. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Nationwide Arena are the setting for practices and scrimages over the next two days.

Today was the first practice for the team as they determine who will make the final roster. 28 players were invited to Columbus but only 23 will make it to Buffalo.

All practices are that are held in the Ice Haus are open to the public so make sure to head down there this weekend to see some of America’s brightest stars on the ice. You’re likely to catch a glimpse of the next generation of NHL stars. And you’ll get to see the Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Andrew Peeke as he tries to make the team.

Related Story: CBJ Prospect Peeke Invited to WJC Roster

Peeke is a defenseman playing at the University of Notre Dame. Peeke is likely, but not guaranteed to make the team this year.

Below is the schedule from USAHockey.com.

PRACTICE TIME (ET)

ARENA

Fri., Dec. 151:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Ice HausSat., Dec. 1612:20 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.Ice HausSun., Dec. 178:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.Ice Haus4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.Ice HausMon., Dec. 1810:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.NationwideTues., Dec. 1910:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Nationwide

The preliminary roster for Team USA includes 10 NHL first round draft picks as well as three more who are draft eligible this season.

The Columbus Blue Jackets played host to the team last night during their 6-4 victory over the New York Islanders. During the intermission, the FoxSports Ohio crew interviewed Brady Tkachuk, Kieffer Bellows and the aforementioned Peeke.

The Columbus Blue Jackets hosting Team USA ahead of the huge 2018 World Junior Championships is just another mark for this city’s growing hockey reputation. If you get out to see the team practice, tag us in your photo and we’ll share it on our social media. #USA

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