Columbus to host U.S. training camp for 2016 World Cup of Hockey

By @MichaelCaples –

Hockey fans itching for some world-class hockey should plan on traveling to Buckeye Country next September.

USA Hockey has announced that Columbus’ Nationwide Arena will be the host site for the U.S. team’s training camp for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

Team USA will skate at the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets from Sept. 5 to Sept. 9. The final day of the camp will conclude with a game against Canada at Nationwide Arena.

“We’re excited to bring a U.S.-Canada game to Columbus as part of the preparations for the World Cup,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. “It’s a tremendous city with passionate hockey fans who will be treated to what we think is the best international rivalry in hockey.”

Ticket information for the game should be released in January.

After the conclusion of their Columbus camp, Team USA will head to Ottawa for another game with Canada on Sept. 10. It will then hold practices at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, the training facility of the Washington Capitals, and a game against Finland on Sept. 13 at the Verizon Center.

Team USA is expected to arrive in Toronto on Sept. 14, with competition beginning on Sept. 17 against Team Europe at the Air Canada Centre.