Tomahawks' Buncis Invited to New York Islanders Rookie Camp
July 3, 2015 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Johnstown Tomahawks News Release
Johnstown Tomahawks Winger Filips Buncis
(Johnstown Tomahawks, Credit: Phil Andraychak/Johnstown Tomahawks)
Johnstown, Pa. -- Less than a week after the Johnstown Tomahawks saw their first ever alumni selected in the NHL Entry Draft, forward Filips Buncis announced he has been invited to take part in the New York Islanders' rookie development camp next week.
Buncis, who turned 18 last month, joined the Tomahawks midway through the 2014-15 season, posting 12 points (one goal, 11 assists) through 29 games played. Following the NAHL season, the 6-3, 2015-pound winger traveled to Switzerland to compete in the U18 World Championships for Team Latvia.
Buncis quickly made an impression with his play against the world's top U18 talent. He scored a highlight reel goal in the opening game against eventual bronze medalist Team Canada, and finished the tournament with five points (three goals, two assists) in six games.
"I was extremely excited to play for my national team and to play with my Latvian friends after spending the last year in the United States. It was a great honor to be selected, but also a great responsibility because you are representing your country," Buncis said.
"He performed extremely well against the top-caliber international competition," Tomahawks head coach Mike Letizia said. "Filips is a young player with some excellent skills, and he was really able to take advantage of the exposure that comes with playing in such a prestigious tournament."
Buncis said the Islanders scouts began showing interest in him following the tournament and invited him to the team's rookie camp, to be held July 6-12, after the NHL draft.
"This is going to be a huge experience for me. It's a great opportunity for me to show what I can do for the Islanders organization, and to test myself against the pro-level players who will be there. I am going to work my hardest, do my best, and try to take everything I can from the camp."
Buncis remains on the Tomahawks roster, but he is set to attend the USHL's Sioux City Musketeers camp in hopes of making the team.
"I want to make that next step and move forward, but it isn't clear yet exactly where I will play next season. Everything can change very quickly in hockey. I will do my best and bring my best game, and see where everything leads."
"We're very excited for Filips, and we're happy to see another one of our players be noticed by NHL scouts," Tomahawks general manager Rick Boyd said. "Our top priority is to give our players what they need to advance to the next levels of hockey, and being invited to an NHL rookie camp is a fantastic opportunity for Flips to do that."
The Tomahawks Main Camp will be held July 22-26 at Planet Ice in Richland Township. Fans are invited to attend the annual Red & Blue exhibition game on Sunday, July 26. The time is yet to be announced, but attendance will be free.
Season tickets for the Tomahawks 2015-16 season are on sale now, with packages starting at less than $99. For information or to set up your account, call 814-536-4625 or sign up at JohnstownTomahawks.com.
Images from this story
 Johnstown Tomahawks Winger Filips Buncis (Phil Andraychak/Johnstown Tomahawks) |
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