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Two Blues Prospects, Al's Son Cut from USA Hockey's Junior Evaluation Camp

It looks as if the Blues might get shut out of Team America in the World Juniors again this year.

By J-Mill
Tommy Vannelli, on the right, won't get the celebrate with the other two guys anymore.
Tommy Vannelli, on the right, won't get the celebrate with the other two guys anymore.
Bruce Bennett

According to NHL.com's Adam Kimelman, Blues prospects Thomas Vannelli and Austin Poganski have been cut from USA Hockey's Junior Evaluation Camp. The annual summer camp is often treated as a tryout for the World Juniors the following winter. Although the final roster, named in early to mid December, doesn't have to come from the evaluation camp roster, it obviously isn't a good sign to be sent home early in August.

Vannelli, a defenseman with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL, is in his last year of eligibility for the prestigious tournament that will be held in Ontario this winter. Poganski meanwhile - a forward for the Tri-City of the USHL - will still be eligible for the 2016 tournament.

Also among the cuts is Al's son and native St. Louisan Ryan MacInnis, a forward for the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL. Chopper Jr., who was drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2nd round 43rd overall this year, will still be eligible for the 2016 WJCs as well.

 But Ryan was the only Blues alumni legacy in camp, as Dominic Turgeon - Pierre's son - did make the latest cut. Turgeon plays for the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL, and was drafted in the 3rd round by the Detroit Red Wings.

Canada, this year's host nation, has not won the World Juniors since 2009, and has not even medaled the last two years. Because Canada fucking sucks. (Damnit, I couldn't make it a whole article without saying "fuck,' could I?)