The future of Canadian
hockey was on display in Toronto last week at the Allstate All-Canadians
Mentorship Camp. Forty-two of the top
bantam-aged players from across Canada came together for a week of
skill-building with mentors like Jason Spezza and Claude Giroux, as well as
taking some time to learn about what it takes to succeed in hockey off the
ice. With the potential clearly evident
among the players who have attended the camp the past three years, it’s not outrageous
to say there will be a few NHL All-Stars among the crop.
With that in mind, it’s
definitely good news for Regina Pats fans to see Pats prospects at the past two
camps. In 2012 it was defenceman Brady
Reagan who will be one of the challengers for a 16-year old slot on the Pats
2013-14 roster come Training Camp (August 28th). Last week it was the team’s 2nd
Overall pick in the 2013 Bantam Draft, Sam Steel.
The dynamic forward
showcased his abilities in the All-Canadians Mentorship Cup, the finale to the
week. Steel tallied a goal and an assist
in the contest and racked up numerous scoring chances. While the game, televised on TSN2, was a
chance for Steel to demonstrate his talent to a wide audience; the value in the
camp was mainly from what he was able to learn from the numerous mentors at the
camp.
“It was unbelievable,”
said Steel looking back on the week. “Being
surrounded by the top kids in Canada and the nutritionists, Gary Roberts, and
my coach Jason Spezza… I learned a lot.
I mean you’re in an environment and want to take in everything you can.”
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| Photo Credit: Keith Hershmiller |
