Fifteen players were cut Tuesday from the United States National Junior Evaluation Camp in Lake Placid, New York. The list of cuts includes notable names such as Ian McCoshen (Boston College), Taylor Cammarata (Minnesota), Michael Brodzinski (Minnesota), Scott Savage (Boston College) and Connor Clifton (Quinnipiac).
Just because a player doesn't remain in the camp until its completion Friday means his chances of playing in the 2015 World Junior Championships are gone. Several players in the past have still made the team after an outstanding first half and performance at the December camp. In the case of McCoshen, he was sent home with what USA Hockey is calling precautionary reasons.
27 players, including 5 from last year's team, remain as the two USA squads combine as one for 3 final games.
In addition to the United States, three other teams - Sweden, Czech Republic and Finland - are also in Lake Placid. Those international squads feature three collegians in Finland's Erik Autio (Penn State) and Mika Ilvonen (St. Cloud State) along with Sweden forward Leon Bristedt (Minnesota).
The 2015 World Junior Championships run from December 26, 2014-January 5, 2015 in Toronto and Montreal. Team USA will be coached by former Ohio State head coach and current Rockford (AHL) assistant coach Mark Osiecki.
Full list of US NJEC cuts:
Forwards: Taylor Cammarata (Minnesota), Ryan Hitchcock (Yale), Connor Hurley (Notre Dame), Keegan Iverson (Portland - WHL), Vinni Lettieri (Minnesota), Sean Malone (Harvard), Ryan MacInnis (Kitchener - OHL), Michael McCarron (London - OHL), Austin Poganski (North Dakota)
Defensemen: Michael Brodzinski (Minnesota), Connor Clifton (Quinnipiac), Clint Lewis (Cornell), Ian McCoshen (Boston College), Scott Savage (Boston College), Tommy Vannelli (Medicine Hat - WHL)
Goalies: None