A pair of British Columbia Hockey League graduates are a step closer to representing Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. On Thursday, former BCHL players Duncan Keith and Milan Lucic were named to Canada’s roster for an orientation camp to be held from July 24th through 27th in Calgary, Alberta. The camp, which will bring together 46 Olympic hopefuls, will provide Keith and Lucic with an opportunity to make a positive impression on Team Canada executive director Steve Yzerman and head coach Mike Babcock heading in to the 2009/10 National Hockey League season. Keith, who spent two seasons with the Penticton Panthers before accepting a scholarship to Michigan State University, is coming off his best NHL season at age 25. The Chicago Blackhawks defenceman posted a career-high with 44 points in 2008/09 and helped lead his team to an appearance in the Western Conference Finals. Lucic has established himself as one of the game’s brightest young stars after two impact seasons with the Boston Bruins. The former Coquitlam Express winger scored 17 goals and added 25 assists in 2008/09 while building upon his reputation as one of the NHL’s toughest players. “(Milan) has potential to really add a dimension to this team that could really be beneficial,” says Yzerman. “He’s not there just because he’s a big, strong guy.” Both Lucic and Keith have represented Canada internationally in the past. Lucic captained the 2007 Super Series squad that beat Russia in an eight-game showcase while Keith suited up during the 2008 World Hockey Championships in Halifax.
BCHL grads Lucic and Keith net Canada camp invite
