USA Hockey announced their National Junior Evaluation Camp roster this morning. Of the 44 players in camp, 31 remain and the Nashville Predators are represented.
Zach Stepan, Nashville’s fourth round pick in 2012, has made the cut. In doing so, he’ll have a chance to play Sweden, Finland and Canada in Lake Placid, New York later this week in an effort to force his name onto the back of a World Juniors sweater this December.
If the Fairbault, Minnesota, native makes the final roster, he’ll extend the Predators’ streak to three years with a prospect on Team USA. Fellow 2012 draft pick Jimmy Vesey skated on the top line for the Americans last year and 2010 first rounder Austin Watson led the team in scoring in 2012.
Stepan is slated to attend and play for Minnesota State University-Mankato starting this fall. He spent last season with the Waterloo Black Hawks of the USHL, posting an impressive 78 points in 56 games, third most in the league.
The 2014 World Juniors will be held in Malmo, Sweden.
Team USA has won three medals (two golds, one bronze) in the last four tournaments.
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PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Fuqua (used with permission)