Predator’s Prospects to Lead USA Squad in World Juniors

Jonathon Blum during the preseason in Nashville

The rosters for the USA team that will play in the 2009 World Junior Championships in Ottawa staring on Boxing Day were announced shortly after noon today. Predator prospects Jonathon Blum and Colin Wilson are expected to be two of the stalwarts of the USA squad. Both played in last year’s tournament for the USA team that finished fourth in the Czech Republic.

Predator fans will recall that Jonathon Blum was one of the shining stars of this years Predators camp receiving considerable playing time for the Predators in the preseason games. The 6’1” 185 pound 19 year old Californian currently plays for the Vancouver Giants and leads all Western Hockey League defensemen with 34 points (including 12 goals) in 22 games.

Colin Wilson at Boston University

Future Predator Colin Wilson, who was the seventh overall draft pick in last summer’s NHL draft, decided to continue playing this season at Boston University. He currently has 20 points (including 7 goals) in 13 games and is ranked second in the NCAA in points per game at 1.54. Wilson, who just turned 19 (10-20-89) is listed at 6’1” and 213 pounds.

Last year’s USA team also included Predator prospects goalie Jeremy Smith and forwards Ryan Flynn and Blake Geoffrion. Most games in this years tournament will be carried on the NHL network and on XM NHL Home Ice 204 on the radio.

Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass