Hurlbert to Represent Team USA at 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase

Image Credit: Alex Beckett/Fallsway Marketing & Media

Kamloops Blazers forward JP Hurlbert is set to represent his country on the international stage this summer.

The 18-year-old has been named to USA Hockey's roster for the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase, an important evaluation camp leading up to the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Hurlbert heads into the showcase following a standout rookie season with the Blazers that saw him earn WHL Rookie of the Year honours. His strong campaign also led to him being recently selected 23rd overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2026 NHL Draft.

The Summer Showcase runs from July 26 to August 1 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario, where the United States will face Canada, Finland and Sweden. USA Hockey has invited 47 players, who will initially be split into Team Blue and Team White before the roster is trimmed later in the week.

Hurlbert is one of 10 players with WHL connections invited to the camp. The list also includes Jacob Kvasnicka, Carter Sanderson, Logan Stuart, Blake Fiddler, Timofei Runtso and Medicine Hat Tigers forward Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll, along with several other players preparing to make their mark in the league.

The showcase serves as one of the first major steps in selecting the roster for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship, which will be played in Edmonton and Red Deer beginning December 26.

For Hurlbert, another opportunity now awaits as he looks to earn a spot wearing the stars and stripes while continuing his development.