Hockey Canada selects local goalie Gaudreau for virtual puck-stopping camp

Even with some uncertainty surrounding the upcoming hockey season, local standout Ben Gaudreau says he remains focused on achieving his goals — including further participation in Hockey Canada activities.

The 17-year-old Sarnia Sting goaltender has been included on Hockey Canada's list of elite young goaltender invites as it continues preparations for the 2020-21 season with a virtual four-day Program of Excellence goaltending camp from June 9-12.

"It’s an honour. There are six players in my age group, it’s definitely very cool and I can’t thank Hockey Canada enough for the opportunity," says Gaudreau from his family home in Corbeil, Ont.

Gaudreau has already shown he can get it done in the classroom as well, as he was named to the OHL's all-scholastic team for his work in 2019-20 and continues to balance the demands on his time as a student-athlete. He says he has been working hard training as 2021 is his NHL draft year.

See related story: Local hockey star excels in the crease — and the classroom

For the 2019 first-round OHL selection, this camp is another milestone as he continues his development. Even though Gaudreau has played in international events before, such as the 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, he says no spots are guaranteed at this level.

"I wouldn’t say I expected it you never really know, you can always hope and pray but until you get the call you are definitely unsure," says Gaudreau. 
Gaudreau is not the only goalie with local ties to receive an invitation to a Hockey Canada camp. Domenic DiVincentiis, a 2020 North Bay Battalion 6th round pick will take part in the U17 Program of Excellence camp.

Congratulations to Battalion Prospect Domenic DiVincentiis on being selected by @HockeyCanada for the U17 Program of Excellence goaltending camp! #BattleTogether pic.twitter.com/5bQDycoLtD

— North Bay Battalion (@OHLBattalion) June 8, 2020

Hockey Canada says "the online camp will focus on goaltender development and evaluation through online education. Online sessions will include goaltender development, mental and physical performance, planning for short-term competition, environments for success, embracing the role of a back-up goaltender and more."

These camps serve as the initial evaluation stage for summer development and selection camps for Canada’s national men’s teams,

"Since it’s a virtual camp I expect to learn a lot about the position and how to simplify my game from a technical view," observes Gaudreau. 

"The Program of Excellence goaltending camp is a great opportunity to bring together the top young goaltenders in the country and assist with the development process for these athletes," said Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of national teams for Hockey Canada. 

Hockey Canada says 11 elite-level instructors will lead 23 of the top goaltenders in Canada during the camp. The list of goaltenders includes five at the under-20 level, six at the under-18 level and 12 at the under-17 level.

Salmond adds, "Despite the unique nature of this year’s camp and the switch to an online delivery for our programs, we believe all 23 goalies will benefit from world-class instruction as we continue to prepare for a new season."