Dieppe's Philippe Myers to try out for Team Canada at world juniors
Defenceman among 32 hockey players who hope to make cut and play for Team Canada at world juniors
New Brunswick's Philippe Myers grew up watching the world junior hockey championship at home in Dieppe with his family, but this Christmas he could be playing with Team Canada.
The 19-year-old is one of 32 players invited to the national selection camp and the only New Brunswicker.
"Just to be part of the process — I think it's a great honour and I know that the hard work is just starting," he said.
Twenty-two players will make the team but Myers says he isn't putting any pressure on himself.
"It doesn't do any good, so I'm just going to focus on playing my own game, and I think if I do the things that I'm capable of doing it should go well for me."
Myers coming home
Myers is a defenceman with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He is pleased his teammate Jérémy Lauzon has also been invited to the selection camp from Dec. 10 to 14 in Blainville, Que.
"I think that playing together and already having that little chemistry definitely helps going into camp. I'm really happy that he's by my side."
The Huskies begin a tour of the Maritimes, taking on the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles on Wednesday night, the Charlottetown Islanders on Friday night and the Moncton Wildcats on Saturday.
Myers says he is looking forward to being home.
"It's always special to play in front of family and friends ... but we're going there to play hockey and it's just a bonus."
Myers signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers in September 2015.
Canada will open the preliminary round against Russia on Boxing Day at Toronto's Air Canada Centre, and Myers is hoping to be there. The medal games are set for Jan. 5 at Montreal's Bell Centre.
Canada leads all nations with 16 world junior gold medals.
with files from Francois LeBlanc