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
Canada Post strike: Union 'extremely disappointed' in latest offer, negotiator says
A negotiator for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) says the latest offer from Canada Post to end the ongoing strike shows the carrier is moving in the "opposite direction."
Canada's air force took video of object shot down over Yukon, updated image released
The Canadian military has released more details and an updated image of the unidentified object shot down over Canada's Yukon territory in February 2023.
Invasive species could be hiding in your Christmas decor. Here's how to stop the spread
Make sure to look through your holiday decorations, as Christmas trees, wreaths, and other natural decor can have invasive insects, eggs, and plants that pose a threat to local ecosystems and the economy.
Sask. doctor facing professional charges in circumcision case
A Saskatoon doctor has been accused of unprofessional conduct following a high-cost adult circumcision that included a request for the patient to text unsecured post-op pictures of his genitals.
Notre Dame reopens its doors to Macron and other world leaders in a rare symbol of unity
France's iconic Notre Dame Cathedral is formally reopening its doors on Saturday for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019.
'Shameful': Monument honouring fallen soldiers included names of living veterans
Veterans are asking for answers after discovering that two sculptures in Ontario honouring fallen soldiers include the names of many people who are very much alive.
Man arrested after 16-hour standoff with Barrie police seeks to be released from custody
The 43-year-old man taken to hospital in distress following a 16-hour armed standoff with Barrie police last month is seeking bail.
Northern Ontario man sentenced for killing his dog
WARNING: This article contains graphic details of animal abuse which may be upsetting to some readers. A 40-year-old northern Ontario man is avoiding prison after pleading guilty to killing his dog earlier this year.
Calgary company steps up to help grieving family with free furnace after fatal carbon monoxide poisoning
A Calgary furnace company stepped up big time Friday to help a Calgary family grieving the loss of a loved one.