USA Hockey cancels World Junior Summer Showcase due to coronavirus

USA Hockey has canceled the 2020 World Junior Summer Showcase due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus.

The first step in picking the United States roster for the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship had been scheduled for July 24-31 at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan.

"We're disappointed on many fronts but thought it was in the best interest of everyone involved to not hold the event," said John Vanbiesbrouck, general manager of the U.S. National Junior Team and assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. "Regardless, we're excited about the level of talent in our country and look forward to putting a team together that can compete for the gold medal. We'll continue to look at all options to get our players and staff together ahead of selecting our team."

Among the 44 U.S. players who had been invited to the event, 17 are eligible for the 2020 NHL Draft, including defenseman Jake Sanderson of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 team, who is No. 4 in NHL Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters eligible for the draft. Also invited were eight players selected in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft.

Canada, Finland and Sweden previously had announced they would not attend the showcase this year. Hockey Canada will hold an online summer evaluation camp from July 27-31.

The 2021 World Junior Championship is scheduled for Dec. 26 to Jan. 5 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta.

The 2020 draft is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 9 and 10. The seven-round event will be held online.