USA Hockey sent out a cryptic email today that heralded a “significant announcement” in Buffalo on Tuesday at 11:30am. The press conference will take place in the First Niagara Center atrium; in attendance from the Sabres will be Ted Black and Pat LaFontaine, while Team USA will be sending executive director Dave Ogrean and assistant executive director Jim Johansson.
What’s missing from the email is what’s actually going to be announced. There was a lot of speculation that it might have something to do with a future World Junior Championship returning to Buffalo, or something to do with the new HARBORCenter facility, though nobody from HARBORCenter will be in attendance.
The U-20 WJC is the tournament that created all the hubbub recently with Ristolainen and whatnot, but for those unaware there’s also a U-18 tournament that follows the same format as it’s big brother. It’s a good bet that the announcement concerns one of the two events, but we’ll find out for sure on Tuesday. What are you hoping for, Sabres fans?
USA Hockey says major announcement coming Tuesday in Buffalo. Don’t think it’s 2018 WJC. Bidding process hasn’t begun yet to my knowledge.
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) January 13, 2014
Could be. USA has it in 2016 I believe. RT @ChrisDilks What about a world U18s? I’d love for that tournament to be back in the US soon.
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) January 13, 2014