Michigan State sophomore forward and Calgary Flames draft pick Josh Nodler was one of 43 players invited to the 2020 World Junior Summer Showcase, which will take place from Jul. 24-Aug. 1. Nodler recorded eight points in 36 games played last year. The showcase is used as an evaluation camp to help select the U.S. National Junior Team that will compete in the 2021 IIHF Junior Championship.

Nodler will join some of the best young talents that the United States has to offer, which includes six top-15 picks from the 2019 NHL Draft, including big names like Cole Caufield (WIS), Alex Turcotte (WIS), and Trevor Zegras (BU). This doesn’t include the projected top-10 picks in this year’s upcoming draft, like Jake Sanderson (USNTDP).

There is no guarantee Nodler will make the final roster to compete in the IIHF Junior Championship. However, given that he is the likely candidate to replace Patrick Khodorenko on the first line this season for the Spartans, the experience he will gain from going against the best talent in the United States will serve him well this season when he lines up against other No. 1 centers.