Today it was announced that the Blue Jackets and Nationwide Arena would be host to team USA’s training camp prior to the World Cup of Hockey. The training camp will run from September 5th through September 9th.
This is quite a boon for the Blue Jackets as the World Cup is being touted by the NHL as the next big event. Through a statement from the team, Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations John Davidson had this to say:
“The Columbus Blue Jackets are thrilled and honored to host Team USA as it prepares for what promises to be a thrilling World Cup of Hockey tournament, having this special opportunity is a testament to our great city and tremendous fans and we’re very much looking forward to it.”
John Davidson is right on all fronts. This city is becoming a stopping point not only for NHL types but for people around the world as the city grows at a rapid pace. In case anyone has forgotten, current head coach John Tortorella is also going to be the head coach of team USA during the World Cup, which will make the proceedings all the more special.
Unbeknownst to me, this isn’t the first time that the Blue Jackets have hosted the World Cup of Hockey training camp.
Second time Columbus has hosted USA World Cup training camp (2004). #CBJ
— Shawn Mitchell (@shecky218) December 16, 2015
Columbus also is one of the few places that will be hosting pre-tournament a game, as they will be hosting USA vs. Canada. Other places hosting USA vs. Canada pre-tournament games include Washington D.C. and Ottawa. Sean Leahy of Puck Daddy laid out the entire schedule for our consumption in one tweet.
World Cup of Hockey training camp sites & pre-tournament game schedule w/TV info pic.twitter.com/TXVFRPPFTh
— Sean Leahy (@Sean_Leahy) December 16, 2015
The USA vs. Canada pre-tournament game will take place at the conclusion of camp on September 9th.
If only for a couple days, the city of Columbus will be the center of the USA Hockey universe. I like the sound of that.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
