3 top Calgary Canucks invited to Junior A World Challenge selection camp
The Calgary Canucks will be shorthanded for their trip up north to Fort McMurray and Bonnyville this weekend.
That's because three of their top players have been invited to the west selection camp for the Junior A World Challenge.
Jack Plandowski, who leads the AJHL in scoring with 18 goals and 19 assists; linemate Nolan Dupont, who is third in league scoring with 10 goals and 19 assists; and Nathan Maloney, one of the league’s top defenceman, have made their way over to Winsport for the selection camp.
Plandowski says he's been working for this for a long time.
"It's super exciting," said the 19-year-old.
"It's been a goal of mine. I've been in the league for three years and just seeing teammates and people from around the league go to this tournament and try out, it's been a goal of mine for a while and I'm sure excited."
Camp is underway
Of course, the work has just begun for these three players.
Now, it's all about making the team.
Maloney says he's just going to keep doing what he's been doing.
"Honestly, I think the reason we've been invited is because the coaches have seen what we can do on the ice, so I'm not changing a thing," said the 18-year-old.
"That's what they like to see and that's why they selected us. Not veering away from what we do best and sticking to what makes me great and just keep doing that."
Thirty players have been invited to the selection camp for the west and 22 will make the squad that plays in the Junior A World Challenge.
Dupont was a late invite and says he plans to do whatever it takes to make the roster.
"Getting the chance to wear the maple leaf on my chest, I'm really proud of that opportunity," said the 18-year-old.
"Don't change my game that much, obviously, because he chose me for a reason, and just try to stick to my strengths."
Coach happy for the players
Having three Canucks get the invite is a big feather in the cap for the organization.
Head coach Brad Moran says the players deserve the invites.
"I think it's great," said Moran.
"It's great for us as an organization but for them as well. They've received some individual recognition and been seen around the league and Western Canada as elite players."
The selection camp runs until Friday at WinSport.
The tournament runs from Dec. 9 to 15 in Camrose.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Flair Airlines CFO charged with involuntary manslaughter linked to fatal car crash in U.S.
Flair Airlines' chief financial officer Sumanth Rao is facing involuntary manslaughter charges in connection with a fatal crash involving an underage driver who had been drinking at his Atlanta-area home.
DEVELOPING Luigi Mangione shouts as he is led into courthouse where he contests extradition to N.Y.
The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO struggled with deputies and shouted Tuesday while arriving for a court appearance in Pennsylvania, a day after he was arrested at a McDonald’s and charged with murder.
National rent prices decline year-over-year to 15-month low: report
A new report says average asking rents fell nationally on a year-over-year basis to $2,139 in November, marking a 15-month low.
Drugs, guns, stolen vehicles and inadmissible entries mark busy year at border: CBSA
The Canada Border Services Agency says there’s been an increase in the confiscation of illegal items at border crossings, as well as a jump in inadmissible foreign nationals attempting to enter Canada from the U.S., this year compared to last.
Some added sugar sources are worse than others for disease risk, study suggests
Sugar isn’t helpful when looking to reduce heart disease risk –– but sweet drinks are the worst, according to a study. There are better sweet treats.
Company ordered to refund B.C. Telus customer who accidentally sent it payments
A B.C. Telus customer who mistakenly sent online banking payments to a company with a similar name will get refunded after a small claims decision handed down Monday.
Legal experts sound alarm on Legault's threat to use notwithstanding clause to ban public prayer
Legal experts say the increasing tendency of provincial premiers to use the notwithstanding clause is a worrying trend that disregards the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Meth wrapped as Christmas gifts seized from Vancouver passenger at New Zealand airport
A woman travelling from Vancouver to New Zealand was arrested after a search of her carry-on duffel bag found methamphetamine wrapped as Christmas presents, according to authorities.
'Governor Justin Trudeau': Trump appears to mock PM in social media post
Amid a looming tariff threat, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump appears to be mocking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, referring to him as 'Governor Justin Trudeau' in a post on Truth Social early Tuesday.