The latest prospects for the Vancouver Canucks hit the ice for the final day of their Development Camp at Shawnigan Lake School on Wednesday July 8th. The camp has been ongoing since July 3rd and wrapped up today before the future Canucks head back to the mainland. Young up-and-comers such as Jordan Subban, Jared McCann and Brock Boeser participated in their final on-ice practice in front of a full house of fans, all of whom seemed eager to familiarize themselves with the NHL stars of tomorrow.
President of Hockey Operations Trevor Linden, GM Jim Benning, and Canucks head coach Willie Desjardins were also in attendance to observe the action. Trevor Linden spoke briefly about bringing the group to the island.
“My first training camp was in Parksville; I’ve been to Kamploops, Victoria, Vernon, and I love that. That was important. I think when you come to a community like this you see the passion for the Canucks. You realize that the Canucks aren’t just a Vancouver team; it’s BC’s team. When our players see just how much people care, they realize that every night they take the ice it’s important to the province. That means a lot.”
Watching these kids on the ice, their hunger to earn spots on the main Canucks roster is apparent. “I want to make this team,” says 19 year old Jared McCann. “I feel very confident in my game. Being at this camp and playing against cool guys… I feel my game defensively has become much stronger. It was a huge honor to be drafted to a Canadian team. I really want to make this team.”
Remembering who they are here for, the prospects left the ice for the final time, and promptly came out to the stands to interact with the many fans in attendance, signing autographs and posing for pictures.
Which of these rookie players will go on to become top players with the Vancouver Canucks? And most importantly, will these kids find themselves lifting the Stanley Cup for us one day?
Go Canucks Go!
