After the success of the 2011 World Junior Championships, USA Hockey wants to bring America’s next big players to Buffalo.

On September 29 at First Niagara Center, the Sabres will play host to 40 of the top American-born prospects who are eligible for the 2013 NHL entry draft in the inaugural All-American Prospects Game.

At a press conference on Monday Ted Black, president of the Buffalo Sabres said,

We’re extremely pleased to have this inaugural event come to Buffalo. We have a tremendous working relationship with USA Hockey and I know our fans will embrace the All-American Prospects Game.

Players selected to compete in this pre-draft showcase will be announced by USA Hockey in late June or early July. According to NHL.com, under the current structure, players born between Jan. 1, 1993 and Sept. 14, 1995, are eligible for the 2013 NHL Draft.

One player that everyone has been buzzing about is defenseman Seth Jones, who plays for the USA Hockey National Team Development Program’s under-18 team. Other American players who have gone through this program include Patrick Kane, Jack Johnson. Phil Kessel and the Sabres’ own Nathan Gerbe.

According to NHL.com, “In 46 games with the USNTDP this season, Jones had five goals and 23 points. Many NHL scouts feel the 6-foot-3, 201-pound Jones will be selected among the top two picks in 2013.”

Ticket information about the All-American Prospects Game will be released in May.

Check out the rest of the press conference from Monday afternoon here:

Photo courtesy of Flickr / s.yume