Three Hitmen Players Invited To Canada's National Junior Team Development Camp
June 23, 2014 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Calgary Hitmen News Release
Calgary, AB - The Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club would like to congratulate forwards Greg Chase and Jake Virtanen and defenceman Travis Sanheim on being invited to attend Canada's National Junior Team Sport Chek summer development camp, set for Aug. 3-8 in Brossard, Montreal and Sherbrooke, Quebec.
Chase, Sanheim and Virtanen are three of 41 players invited to the camp. Canada's roster, comprised of four goaltenders, 12 defencemen and 25 forwards, was selected by Ryan Jankowski, head scout of the men's Program of Excellence for Hockey Canada, along with Hockey Canada vice-president of hockey operations/national teams Scott Salmond and the Program of Excellence management group including Sean Burke and Bruce Hamilton.
Chase, a native of Sherwood Park, Alberta, finished the 2013-14 season with career highs in goals (35) and assists (50) to share the team lead in points through 70 games played. In 2013, the Edmonton Oilers selected Chase in the seventh round, 188th overall, in the NHL Entry Draft.
Virtanen, a product of Abbotsford, British Columbia, recorded a team-leading 45 goals last season to lead all NHL draft-eligible players. After finishing the 2013-14 campaign with 71 points in 71 games, Virtanen helped Canada earn a bronze medal at the 2014 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship, recording three goals and three assists in the tournament.
Sanheim, a native of Elkhorn, Manitoba, recently completed his rookie season, tallying five goals and adding 24 assists for 29 points in 67 games played. Selected by Calgary in the ninth round, 177th overall, in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft, Sanheim joined Virtanen on Canada's National Men's Under-18 Team and was named one of Canada's top three players in the tournament by coaches.
Jankowski will continue to monitor these players and other potential candidates during the first few months of the 2014-15 season and at the CHL Subway Super Series to determine who will be invited to Canada's National Junior Team selection camp in December. In total, 22 players will be selected to represent Canada at the 2015 IIHF World Junior Championship, Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 5, 2014 in Montreal, Quebec and Toronto, Ontario.
Canada's National Junior Team development camp attendees will gather in Brossard at the Montreal Canadiens' practice facility from Aug. 3-4 before playing the national junior teams of the Czech Republic and Russia. To view the full development camp roster and schedule, visit www.hockeycanada.ca.
Calgary Hitmen season tickets for the 20th anniversary season are available now at the Scotiabank Saddledome box office. In appreciation for the continued support the Hitmen receive from the community, the purchase or renewal of select 2014-15 season ticket packages will include a complimentary premium 20th anniversary jersey. For more ticket information or to order a limited edition jersey, visit www.hitmen20.com or call 403-777-4646.
Western Hockey League Stories from June 23, 2014
- Blades Announce Signing of Schael Higson - Saskatoon Blades
- Nic Petan Invited to Canada's National Junior Team Summer Development Camp - Portland Winterhawks
- Hurricanes Golf Tournament Postponed - Lethbridge Hurricanes
- T-Birds Sign Sahvan Khaira - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Rockets Name Dan Lambert New Head Coach - Kelowna Rockets
- Rock 106 Named New Broadcast Partner - Lethbridge Hurricanes
- Three Hitmen Players Invited To Canada's National Junior Team Development Camp - Calgary Hitmen
- Giants Sign James Malm - Vancouver Giants
- Klimchuk Named to National Junior Summer Development Camp - Regina Pats
- Rockets Ryan Huska Heading to AHL - Kelowna Rockets
- Hockey Canada Calls On Hawryluk - Brandon Wheat Kings
- 16 WHL Players Named to Canada's National Junior Team Development Camp - WHL
- Rockets Captain Bowey Among 16 WHL Players Named to Canada's National Junior Team Development Camp - Kelowna Rockets
- Jarry, Lazar Invited to World Juniors Summer Camp - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Point Receives Summer Camp Invite - Moose Jaw Warriors
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.
