Brett Orr File Photo
60 players have been chosen to compete for 22 spots on Team Canada West’s final 2015 World Junior A. Challenge roster. Hockey Canada along with the CJHL announced the 60 players yesterday.
The selection camp, scheduled for Dec. 5-8, will be held at the Leduc Recreation Centre in Leduc, Alta. The 60 players will be divided into three teams and play four intrasquad game over three days.
Of the 60 players selected from the 5 Western Junior A leagues, there were 6 goaltenders, 21 defencemen and 33 forwards. Of the 21 defencemen selected, 2 of those come from the Portage Terriers.
19 year old Brett Orr and 17 year Dean Stewart, defensive partners, were both invited to camp.
Orr the veteran defenceman and member of the RBC Cup Championship team described the invite as an honor. “It’s a real honor to be selected for the camp considering only 60 players get selected. To be recognized as one of them is pretty special”
Stewart felt much the same when asked about the nod. “It’s always excited to be recognized. I’ve been fortunate enough to participate in Hockey Canada events before and I am really looking forward to this one.”
Coach and GM Blake Spiller wasn’t surprised the two were invited to camp. “Orr was a key part of our National Championship and was playoff MVP. I think it would be a disappointment if he didn’t make the team. Stewart is still only 17 years old and continues to improve. This will be a good experience for him and if he has a good camp will be right in the mix.”
On a separate note Spiller thought a couple others should have been included that weren’t. “There is no question in my mind that with the starts to their seasons both Nick Henry as a 16 year old and Chase Brakel as a 17 year old should have been invited to the camp as well.”
Former net minder for the Terriers Zac Robidoux will be attending as well as 5 other MJHL players.
Gula from Steinbach
Kleyson from Winnipeg
McDonald from Winkler
Graham from Steinbach
Langan from Swan Valley