Prospect Ben Thornton Invited to Hockey Canada U-17 Camp

June 24, 2020 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release

Spokane Chiefs forward prospect Ben Thornton has been invited to Hockey Canada's virtual national under-17 development camp, as announced on Wednesday. The camp, set for July 19-25, serves as a precursor to the 2020 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, presented by TELUS.

Thornton, who was the Chiefs' first-round bantam pick in 2019, is one of 64 forwards and 113 total players invited. He will participate in a variety of online sessions with a focus on player development.

"The national under-17 development camp is the first stage in introducing these athletes to the Program of Excellence, and it is a great opportunity for them to develop as players and learn what it takes to wear the Maple Leaf," said Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of national teams with Hockey Canada.

Thornton posted 40 points (16G-24A) in 34 games with Yale Hockey Academy Prep last season, adding two assists in two playoff games. The 6-foot, 153-pound forward also made his WHL debut, joining the Chiefs on the road at Victoria on Dec. 17, 2019.

The 2020 edition of the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge will be presented by TELUS, Hockey Canada's official telecommunications partner and title sponsor of the TELUS Cup, Canada's National U18 Club Championship. Through its signature community hockey program, "The Code", TELUS provides meaningful tools, information and inspiration to players, families, coaches and fans to end bullying and encourage positive behavior online and on the ice.

For more information on Hockey Canada and the Program of Excellence, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook and Twitter.

Western Hockey League Stories from June 24, 2020

• Holland Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame - Medicine Hat Tigers
• Jarome Iginla Elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame - Kamloops Blazers
• Jordan Gustafson and Kevin Korchinski Named to Team Canada U-17 Development Camp - Seattle Thunderbirds
• Mallette named an assistant for upcoming 2020 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge - Kelowna Rockets
• Hockey Canada Names Buchberger Head Coach for National Men's U-17 Team White - Tri-City Americans
• 3 Wheat Kings Prospects Invited to Hockey Canada Under-17 Development Camp - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Prospect Ben Thornton Invited to Hockey Canada U-17 Camp - Spokane Chiefs
• Oilers Prospect and General Manager Named to Hockey Canada's National Under-17 Camp Roster - Edmonton Oil Kings
• Four Broncos Prospects Invited to Virtual Team Canadian National U17 Development Camp - Swift Current Broncos
• Crocker Invited to Hockey Canada's National Under-17 Development Camp - Prince Albert Raiders
• Royals' Jason Spizawka & Kalem Parker Named to Hockey Canada's Under-17 Development Camp - Victoria Royals
• Two Giants Prospects Named to Team Canada's U-17 Summer Development Camp - Vancouver Giants
• Blazers Send Three Players to Canada's Under-17 Development Camp - Kamloops Blazers
• Lisowsky to Participate in Hockey Canada's U-17 Virtual Development Camp - Saskatoon Blades
• Hockey Canada Names 35 WHL Players to National Under-17 Development Camp - WHL
• Three Cougars Named to Hockey Canada's National Under 17 Development Camp - Prince George Cougars

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Spokane Chiefs Stories

• Chiefs to Host Tigers in Do-Or-Die Game 5 Friday Night
• Draft-Eligible Defenceman Pickford Sets Modern WHL Record, Tigers Take 3-1 Stranglehold in 2025 WHL Championship Series
• Chiefs Look to Bounce Back in Game 4 vs Tigers Wednesday Night
• Chiefs Return Home to Host Tigers in Game 3 of WHL Championship Series Presented by Nutrien
• Kraken Prospect Catton Named Tempo WHL Player of the Week