The Hockey Canada Selection Camp begins next week in Toronto and Owen Sound Attack defender Chris Bigras is among the 25 players trying to make the squad.
There are 8 defenceman attending the camp, one of whom will likely be left back when Canada departs for the World Junior Championship in Sweden.
The inclusion of Bigras comes as no surprise to the Owen Sound Attack brass. While admittedly they had some anxious moments about the selection, they relate they would have been shocked if Bigras was excluded.
From my standpoint, it’s a rare night that Chris Bigras isn’t the best defenceman in a game I’m watching; I’d say that was the case in maybe a half dozen games to this point on the season.
And having said that, among the players who have shone brighter than Bigras in game, none were included in the Selection Camp which might speak to consistency.
Is Chris Bigras a lock to make the National Junior team; and thus become the first Owen Sound defenceman to ever crack the squad ?
No, not a lock.
Chris Bigras is an 18 year old trying out for what is considered to be at 19 year old tournament.
Chris Bigras is an 18 year old trying out for a team that may have a 16 year old and a 17 year old included. How young can they go ?
And Chris Bigras is an OHL’er playing for a WHL Coach, competing for a spot against 5 others, who in fairness are more familiar to that coach.
Tonight, Bigras and the Attack host Kitchener at the JD McArthur Arena
I’m Fred Wallace