Five Smoke Eaters Named To Team Canada West Selection Camp
By Benjamin Phillips
Hockey Canada unveiled its 44 man selection camp for the upcoming World Junior A Challenge in Dawson, BC which included five Trail Smoke Eaters.
Smoke Eaters captain Philippe Lapointe, assistant captains Kent Johnson and Powell Connor, forward Owen Ozar and goaltender Logan Terness were all named to the selection camp. The camp takes place in Calgary, Alberta from December 1st-3rd before a final team roster is picked and the tournament begins December 7th vs the USA.
Since making his return from injury Lapointe has amassed 19 points in 11 games for the Smokies and has the second highest points per game at 1.73 in the BCHL. Kent Johnson continues to lead the BCHL in all aspects, with 20 goals and 30 assists. He’s already passed his point total from last year (46 in 57 games) with 50 points in 28 games played. Powell Connor is the lone Smoke Eaters defenceman selected to the camp, he’s been a rock on the back end for the Smoke Eaters. The Vernon, BC native has 2 goals and 13 assists so far and has been a key part of the Smoke Eaters penalty kill, which sits 4th in the BCHL.
Also going is Owen Ozar who sits 6th in BCHL scoring with 12 goals and 21 assists. Ozar’s speed and puck retrieval abilities has made him a threat from day one of the BCHL season. Finally goaltender Logan Terness was one of four goalies named to the camp. Terness has emerged as a top goaltender in the BCHL this year. The 17-year-old from Burnaby, BC has some of the top numbers among goaltenders while being the youngest among them. In 21 games played Terness is 12-4-2-2 with a 0.936 SV% and a 2.23 GAA. Terness has the second best save percentage among goalies with 15 or more games played.
“Our organization is very proud to send five of our best players to the Canada West camp. Each of these young men have had an outstanding start to the season and we’re looking forward to watching them compete for roster spots in Calgary.” – GM & HC Jeff Tambellini
The Smoke Eaters send a league high, tied with Chilliwack, for the most players being named to the Canada West roster.
The five Smoke Eaters players will head to Calgary for the main camp on Dec 1st to 3rd, with the tournament going from December 7th to 15th in Dawson Creek, BC.
