Columbus Blue Jackets 2018 WJSS Prospects Update

The Columbus Blue Jackets have two drafted prospects and one invited to their prospect camp at the WJSS in Kamloops.

Every year in the dead of summer, some of the best under 20 hockey players are invited to play in a small and short tournament called the World Junior Summer Showcase. The gathering gives players looking to make their home nation’s World Junior Championship squad a chance to show what they have and compete against some of the world’s best future NHLers.

This tournament is often seen as the first step down the path of representing your country at the WJC. Although coaches and scouts recognize it is a summer tournament and long term projections can’t be made, it is still fun to keep track of what’s going on.

This year Columbus Blue Jackets fans should keep their eyes on the action in Kamloops, British Columbia as they have two drafted players competing for their homelands as well as a player that was invited to the prospect camp held in late June.

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Columbus’ first round pick Liam Foudy was a late addition to the Hockey Canada roster and has already been a nice surprise for the team. In his first game, Foudy had two primary assist in Canada’s loss to Team USA Blue. Foudy will now look to continue to impress as the rosters are condensed. In the first two days both Canada and the US have two teams which will now be combined for each nation respectfully.

The Columbus Blue Jackets 4th round pick from 2017 is also competing at the WJSS. Emil Bemstrom from Sweden is looking to continue building upon the impressive tradition of Sweds in the Columbus Blue Jackets organization. In his only game with Sweden in the WJSS, he scored Team Sweden’s only goal of the shootout.

Although not drafted, the Jackets are certainly keeping an eye on Sean Dhooghe. The University of Wisconsin player participated in the prospect camp just a month ago and now is looking to make the WJC team.

Dhooghe competed for Team USA in the 2016 WJC under 18 tournament and dominated. He had nine points in seven games. He hasn’t put up an numbers in two games but has a few penalties and hopefully another chance or two to show something to USA Hockey.

The tournament continues in one of the most beautiful towns in North America, Kamloops, August 2nd. Plenty to watch for Columbus Blue Jackets fans looking for that summer hockey fix.