Justin Bailey took a big hit Thursday night. By extension, so has USA Hockey's All-American Prospects Game.
Bailey, a Williamsville native who is one of the top U.S. players eligible for next year's NHL draft, will miss Saturday's inaugural prospects game in First Niagara Center with an injury. The Kitchener Rangers forward was blindsided by Windsor's Patrick Sieloff during their Ontario Hockey League contest, and the open-ice blast has ruined Bailey's chance to perform in his hometown.
Bailey, who is 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, has been graded as an "A-list" skater by NHL Central Scouting.
U.S. prospect Dawson Cook will also miss the game with injury, leaving the USA Hockey event with 38 players. The game is set for a 7 p.m. faceoff Saturday.
---John Vogl
