Penguins’ Addison, Hallander ready for Summer Showcase next week

Photo by Shelley Lipton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Only two prospects from Pittsburgh going to the showcase

What is it

As the host Americans describe it:

The 2019 World Junior Summer Showcase will take place on July 26-Aug. 3 in Plymouth, Michigan, at USA Hockey Arena. The week-long camp will include 11 international competitions between Canada, Finland, Sweden and the United States

Basically a nice summer test for the four nations to get together and have some instruction time and competition as they sort out a summer audition about half a year before the high-pressure World Junior Championships that count for real.

Penguins’ prospects involved

Since age is a factor in this under-20 tournament, pretty much only 2018 and 2019 NHL draftees are eligible. And without many high picks involved, Pittsburgh doesn’t have a lot out there. 2019 draftees Sam Poulin and Nathan Legare might be in the mix this time next year if they keep progressing - but they’re lost in the shuffle a bit right now as young Canadians.

In fact, the Pens only have two representatives this summer even for the camp.

Canada

Calen Addison (D)

Addison also participated in this summer event last year, and ultimately was one of Canada’s final cuts from the World Junior team. This time around could be very different though, as Addison is one of the older players on the roster.

This event should be one allowing him to stand out and demonstrate his skills - with the puck on his stick or while operating in the offensive zone Addison performs very well against his peers. The big sign to watch will be if he’s strong enough and a good enough defender to find a niche on this team for Canada in the winter.

Sweden

Filip Hallander (F)

Hallander played in a checking role in last year’s WJC U-20 (where he went without a point in five games last year) and should have a bigger role this time around.

Televised schedule

Some of the games will be on NHL Network. It’s not much but it’s live hockey in the summer so you gotta take what you can get! Apparently these are also on TSN Radio and the SiriusXM radio platforms as well.

Wednesday July 31

1:00 PM: Canada vs. Finland

4:00 PM: United States vs. Sweden

Friday August 2

1:00 PM: Sweden vs. Canada

4:00 PM: Finland vs. United States

Saturday August 3

1:00 PM: Sweden vs. Finland

4:00 PM: United States vs. Canada