Boychuk focused on juniors camp

By PATRICK KING
rSPORTSNET.CA
rZach Boychuk isn’t leaving anything to chance.
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rOne of only four returning players from Canada’s gold-medal winning world junior team last January, Boychuk knows this week’s selection camp in Ottawa, Ont. is paramount in determining whether he sticks around in Ottawa for the tournament.
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r"I just want to go and show (head coach) Pat Quinn that I deserve a spot on that team," Boychuk said. "There’s no slots etched in stone and I want to play well and have a big impact on the team this year."
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rAs one of the returning players from last year, one would think Boychuk’s spot on the team would be secure. Hockey Canada proved that theory wrong last year when goaltender Leland Irving, the backup to Carey Price the previous tournament, was left off the team in favour of Steve Mason and Jonathan Bernier.
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rFor Boychuk, who started on one of the top lines before dwindling down to the 13th forward in last year’s tournament, this year’s tournament presents a new challenge with a new coaching staff to impress.
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r"The coaching staff is going to come in with wide-open minds and see who grabs the spots on the team," said Al Murray, head scout of Hockey Canada’s world junior team. "I know the veteran players understand that and no one’s guaranteed a spot coming into camp."
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rBoychuk is carrying an ace up his sleeve, however. The 19-year-old product of Airdrie, Alta. is one of the most versatile players in his age group, meaning he could play just about any role.
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rAs Boychuk went to camp on Thursday, however, the role he has in mind is that of a go-to scorer, a role he has played for his club team, the Lethbridge Hurricanes, ever since he was a 16-year-old rookie….
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