With Team Canada West try-outs taking place in a few days in Leduc, Alberta for the upcoming World Junior “A” Challenge, Rivermen hopefuls Justin Fregona and Bo Didur are anxious to get going. Getting an invitation is a feather in the cap and a great indicator as to what kind of seasons they are both having. Fregona leads all BCHL rookies in points with 19 goals and 15 assists in 29 games, while Didur has solid goaltending numbers with a record of 9-7-0 to go along with a 2.71 GAA and a save percentage of .922.
“Any time you get an opportunity to represent your country in the sport you love is a huge honour. I can’t wait to get there and show them what I can do,” said Didur.
“I have never been invited to anything this big. It’s both an honour and humbling to have a chance to put on the Canadian jersey,” said Fregona.
In total, 60 players will compete for just 22 spots. Of the 60 invited, 18 come from the BCHL and both Fregona and Didur are expecting stiff competition the whole way through.
“There are going to be a lot of great players competing hard for a limited amount of spots. I am just going to play my game and do the same kind of things that got me there and hopefully it all works out,” continued Fregona.
“Every goaltender that got an invite are there for a reason. There are only two spots for the six trying out, so I have to be at my best the entire camp and hopefully I can leave a lasting impression on the coaches,” said Didur.
Head Coach and General Manager Bobby Henderson is thrilled for both of them and feels the recognition is well deserved.
“It is great for them to have this opportunity to try out at the national level. They both have been great for us this season and we are all proud of them. It will be good exposure especially for a guy like Bo, who we hope to have a commitment for sooner rather than later. With Justin, it is a great opportunity for him to go out there and show what he can do against the best and see where he stacks up. We are confident that both will be heavily considered to make that team,” said Henderson.
Canada West selection camp runs from December 5-8, with the World Junior “A” Challenge beginning on December 13 from Coburg and Whitby Ontario.