Blackhawks defenseman prospect Alex Vlasic was one of 13 players cut from the United States’ World Junior Summer Showcase roster Monday morning.
Vlasic, who was selected in the second round of this year’s NHL draft, had four goals and 27 points in 61 games last season for the United States National under-18 team. The 6-foot-6, 198-pound lefty also had an assist during the U.S. silver-medal run at the U18 World Championship.
Alex Vlasic pins the forward along the glass and the puck goes the other way. Vlasic joins the rush, makes the entry and throws the puck out front.
Robertson fans on the shot and who is there to break up Sweden’s counter? Alex Vlasic. #WJSS #Blackhawks #NTDP pic.twitter.com/Cjvs07i5Vu
— Stars n’ Stripes Hockey (@StarsStripesHKY) July 28, 2019
Other players released: defensemen Marshall Warren (Wild), Jackson LaCombe (Ducks), Case McCarthy (Devils), Drew Helleson (Avalanche), Slava Demin (Golden Knights); forwards Luke Loheit (Senators), Owen Lindmark (Panthers), Luke Toporowski (undrafted), John Farinacci (Coyotes), Blade Jenkins (Islanders), Demetrious Koumontzis (Flames); goaltender Drew DeRidder (undrafted).
“As we told the players, this camp is the first step in selecting 23 players who will represent the United States in one of the biggest hockey tournaments in the world and these roster decisions are just a part of the process,” said John Vanbiesbrouck, general manager of the 2020 U.S. National Junior Team and also assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. “History’s shown that being here does not guarantee an invitation in December, so we’re excited to see all of these players, as well as some who weren’t here, throughout the fall as we continue our evaluation process as a staff.”
Evan Barratt was the last Blackhawks prospect to play for the U.S. at the World Juniors during the 2019 tournament. The now 20-year-old forward had one assist during the team’s silver-medal run.
The U.S. returns to game action against Canada at 3 p.m. Central time Tuesday at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan. Canada has two Blackhawks prospects in center Kirby Dach and goaltender Alexis Gravel. Forward Antti Saarela is also playing for Finland.
WJSS schedule
Tues., July 30: Canada vs. USA, 3 p.m. (HockeyTV)
Wed., July 31: Canada vs. Finland, noon (NHL Network)
Wed., July 31: USA vs. Sweden, 3 p.m. (NHL Network)
Fri., Aug. 2: Sweden vs. Canada, noon (NHL Network)
Fri., Aug. 2: Finland vs. USA, 3 p.m. (NHL Network)
Sat., Aug. 3: Sweden vs. Finland, noon (NHL Network)
Sat., Aug. 3: USA vs. Canada, 3 p.m. (NHL Network)
*All times Central