Former Victoria Grizzlies forward Jamie Benn and Salmon Arm Silverbacks grad and NHL first-rounder Riley Nash have earned the opportunity to prove themselves on a national stage. On Thursday, Hockey Canada announced that Benn and Nash have been chosen to take part in an elite National Team Development Camp later this summer.
The camp, which is an opportunity for players to make a solid first impression on the coaches of Canada's 2009 World Junior Championships entry, will be held in Ottawa from July 25-29.
Benn and Nash both made signifigant strides this season after graduating from the BC Hockey League in 2007. Benn, a Dallas Stars draft pick, notched 65 points with the Kelowna Rockets after posting an identical total the previous year in Victoria.
Nash – who was selected 21st overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by Edmonton – flourished in his freshman year at Cornell, tallying 32 points in 36 games. His strong performance earned Nash the Ivy League and ECAC Conference Rookie of the Year awards.
