Irving and Hamill Invited to Team Canada’s Developmental Camp
Silvertips goaltender Leland Irving and forward Zach Hamill have been invited by Hockey Canada to attend their summer developmental camp from July 23 to July 28 in Calgary, Alberta.
Leland Irving posted great numbers as the number one netminder for the Silvertips last season. The Swan Hills, AB native played in 67 games and posted a 1.92 GAA and a .926% SP with 4 Shutouts. Irving also posted a franchise record with 37 wins in 2005-2006. Leland was part of Team Canada’s goal medal Under-18 squad at the Under-18 World Cup last summer. Irving is expected to be a first or second round draft pick in Saturday’s NHL Draft.
Silvertips forward Zach Hamill finished tied for 2nd on the Silvertips in scoring with 59 points. The Port Coquitlam, BC native ended the regular season 2nd on the team in assists with 38 and 1st on the hockey club with a +18 rating. Along with Leland Irving, Hamill made a major contribution with Team Canada’s goal medal Under-18 squad at the Under-18 World Cup last summer. In the tournament, Hamill tallied 5 goals and added 3 assists in 5 games.
The National Junior Team Development Camp is the first step in a process that Hockey Canada follows to name Canada’s National Junior Team roster in December. Following this July camp, Hockey Canada’s Men’s National Teams Program will continue to monitor and evaluate these players and other eligible players in the Canadian Hockey League, as well as in the junior and college ranks in Canada and the U.S.A.
In late November or early December, Hockey Canada will invite a shorter list of players to the National Junior Team Selection Camp which takes place in mid-December. During the December Selection Camp, the coaching staff will select the 22 players that will represent Canada at the 2007 IIHF World Junior Championship.
The players invited to the July 2006 National Junior Team Development Camp were identified, evaluated and selected based on evaluation reports conducted during the 2005-06 season based on performances on Under-17, Under-18 and National Junior teams at 2005-06 events, with input from the coaches on Canada’s 2006-07 National Junior and National Under-18 teams and a network of Canadian Hockey League contacts as identified by Canada’s National Junior Team Policy Committee.
Canada’s National Junior Team Development Camp in July will be under the direction of Head Coach Craig Hartsburg (Stratford, ON/ Sault Ste. Marie, OHL) and assistant coaches Curtis Hunt (North Battleford, SK/ Regina, WHL) and Clément Jodoin (St-Césaire, QC/ Lewiston, QMJHL). The camp will be held July 23-28 in Calgary, AB at the Father David Bauer Arena, including intersquad games on July 26th, 27th and 28th.
