To say the local hockey community is happy for and proud of Jordan Binnington and Daniel Catenacci would be accurate, and to an extent a massive understatement.
Binnington and Catenacci were invited yesterday to attend the Selection Camp conducted by Hockey Canada next week that will determine who represents the country at the World Junior Championships in Russia later this month.
What’s great about their inclusion is that both players have truly earned the opportunity to try out for the Canadian team and without question deserve this opportunity.
Binnington’s story is well documented, the outgoing underage back up to Scott Stajcer who was thrust into the starting job in just his second year and simply ran with the opportunity taking Owen Sound to it’s first ever berth in the modern day Memorial Cup.
Today, he is one of 4 netminders hoping to represent Canada later this month at the World Juniors.
Catenacci’s resume includes being selected first overall by the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds before being dealt to Owen Sound 15 months ago.
While Catenacci’s skills are above average, what makes him stand out is blazing speed and the desire to compete all night in both ends of the rink
There are more gifted forwards invited, but how many are faster ? How many work harder ?
So tomorrow night and for the remainder of the week, Binnington & Catenacci are with the Attack.
By this time next week though, they’ll be in Calgary aiming for a Russian adventure
I’m Fred Wallace