Nationwide Arena will host Team USA training camp for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey
December 17, 2015
Camp includes pre-tournament game vs. Canada at Nationwide Arena on September 9
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Nationwide Arena will host Team USA’s training camp in advance of the 2016 World Cup of Hockey Tournament, USA Hockey and the club announced today. The camp will begin on Monday, September 5 and conclude with a pre-tournament game against Canada on Friday, September 9.
“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,” said Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations John Davidson. “Having this special opportunity is a testament to our great city and tremendous fans and we’re very much looking forward to it.”
“We’re excited to bring a U.S.-Canada game as part of preparations for the World Cup to Columbus,” said USA Hockey Executive Director Dave Ogrean. “It’s a tremendous city with passionate hockey fans who will I’m sure enjoy what they’ll see on the ice.”
Ticket information for the U.S.-Canada game is expected to be released in January with special priority exclusively offered to Blue Jackets season ticket holders. Final details surrounding the camp, including practice dates and times, will be released closer to the camp. This will be the second time that the Blue Jackets and Nationwide Arena will host Team USA prior to the World Cup of Hockey. Columbus was also home to Team USA’s training camp prior to the World Cup of Hockey in 2004.
The 2016 World Cup of Hockey is set for September 17-October 1 in Toronto. In addition to the U.S., which will be led by Blue Jackets Head Coach John Tortorella, the eight teams participating in the tournament will include Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Sweden, Team Europe and Team North America.
“The World Cup of Hockey will bring together the best players in the world and I am honored to be the head coach of Team USA at the tournament,” said Tortorella. “It is a unique and special event and I am happy that our fans in Columbus will have this opportunity to be a part of it.”
The Blue Jackets return to action on Thursday when they visit the Arizona Coyotes. Game time from Gila River Arena is 9 p.m. ET. Live coverage on FOX Sports Ohio begins with the Blue Jackets Live pre-game show at 8:30 p.m. The game will also be broadcast live on the Scioto Downs Blue Jackets Radio Network, including flagship station Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan, and online at BlueJackets.com.
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