Tropp on ice in Lake Placid

Corey Tropp (2007, 3rd round) is one of 30 forwards (and 53 players overall) currently skating in Team USA’s Development Camp in Lake Placid, NY. Much like the Canadian gathering last week, the week-long camp is a preliminary evaluation for the 2009 U-20 World Junior Championships. Unlike the Canadian camp, teams from Sweden and Finland have again made the trip across the pond to scrimmage two USA clubs marked White and Blue. A third team (Red) is formed for practice purposes only, with the players being dispersed evenly to the White and Blue rosters.

With this being his fourth national development camp, Tropp is no stranger to USA Hockey. The pool of 2009 talent at forward is fairly deep, and his chances are as good as any.

It would seem that the time is now for for the six-footer to build some momentum heading into his sophomore year at Michigan State. With six of their top-10 scorers from 2007-08 lost to graduation and/or professional deals, Tropp will have ample ice time to make an early dent with the Spartans. Hot starts can do wonders for WJC hopefuls. Just ask another former Sabres third-rounder, Clarke MacArthur. His blazing start for Medicine Hat in 2004 landed him a spot on Team Canada for the 2005 WJC’s.

Below is a schedule for the week’s activities. Games are slated for August 5th-9th, with a break on the 8th. We’ll do our best to provide updates as they become available.

2008 U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp Schedule

Friday, August 1
USA Arrives
6:00-6:50 pm USA Group I USA Rink
7:00-7:50 pm USA Group II USA Rink

Saturday, August 2
9:00-10:15 am USA RED – USA WHITE USA Rink
10:30 – 11:15 am USA BLUE USA Rink
4:15 – 5:00 pm USA RED USA Rink
5:15 – 6:30 pm USA BLUE – USA WHITE USA Rink

Sunday, August 3
Sweden/Finland Arrive
9:00-10:15 am USA BLUE – USA RED USA Rink
10:30 – 11:15 am USA WHITE USA Rink
4:15 – 5:00 pm USA BLUE USA Rink
5:15 – 6:30 pm USA WHITE – USA RED USA Rink

Monday, August 4
9:00-10:15 am USA BLUE – USA WHITE USA Rink
10:30 – 11:15 am USA RED USA Rink
11:30 am-1:00 pm Sweden USA Rink
1:30-3:00 pm Finland USA Rink
4:15 – 5:00 pm USA WHITE USA Rink
5:15 – 6:30 pm USA BLUE – USA RED USA Rink

Tuesday, August 5
9:30-10:15 am Finland USA Rink
10:30-11:15 am USA White USA Rink
11:30 am – 12:15 pm Sweden USA Rink
4:00 PM USA Blue – Finland USA Rink
7:00 PM USA White – Sweden USA Rink

Wednesday, August 6
9:00-9:45 am Finland USA Rink
10:00-10:45 am USA Blue USA Rink
11:00-11:45 am Sweden USA Rink
4:00 PM USA White – Finland USA Rink
7:00 PM USA Blue – Sweden USA Rink

Thursday, August 7
10:00 AM USA White Testing
11:00 AM USA Blue Testing

Friday, August 8
8:30-9:15 am Sweden USA Rink
9:30-10:15 am USA White USA Rink
10:30-11:15 am USA Blue USA Rink
11:30 am – 12:15 pm Finland USA Rink
4:00 PM USA White – Sweden Herb Brooks
7:00 PM USA Blue – Finland Herb Brooks

Saturday, August 9
1:00 PM USA White – Finland USA Rink
4:00 PM USA Blue – Sweden USA Rink