2010 World Junior A Challenge

Canada West Camp Diary - TJ Constant

DAY 3 – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Today was my last day in Penticton, and it’s been so much fun! The guys can been great – so friendly, but so competitive!  To be honest, I am kind of sad to leave; Penticton is such a beautiful place … the weather has been fantastic, and the view is indescribable

We hit the rink for a short (but intense) practice this morning. Every guy was going all out, trying to make an impression on the coaches, because we didn’t have a lot of chances left. After practice it was back to the hotel to relax and mentally prepare for the Red-White game.

Even though I was pretty exhausted, I was eager to get the game going. The coaches came into the room before the game and talked about how it didn’t matter how tired we all were, it was the last chance to impress.

I didn’t pick up any points, but I worked hard, and helped Red to a big 7-2 win over White. Everything just went our way tonight! After the game, the coaches met with each player individually and talked about how they did at camp. I guess all I can do now is keep playing my game with OCN and wait for the final roster to be named.

I just want to thank the Canada West staff for the chance to come to camp. It was such a privilege to be on the ice with some of the best Junior A players in Canada, and I had a great time!

DAY 2 – MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Well, today was my first full day in Penticton. I woke up this morning and looked outside – I can’t believe how beautiful it is here! The people that get to live here are pretty lucky.

After a quick shower and a good breakfast at the hotel, it was off to the rink for our first skate. It was one of the best practices I’ve had in a long time! It’s pretty cool to get to skate with the best Junior A players in western Canada; there’s so much skill.

Back to the hotel for lunch and a little down time before the first Red-White game – not going to lie, I was a little nervous. When we first got to the rink I just sat in the stands and looked around; the building here is the nicest rink I have ever played in!

I thought I played pretty well – I played my game, gave a few hits, blocked a few shots and even scored our team’s fourth goal, but unfortunately we ended up losing in overtime. We had a nice post-game meal at the rink and headed back to the hotel. One more day to go!

DAY 1 – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

I’m pretty excited to be in Penticton and to get to try out for Canada West. It’s been a long weekend – my club team, the OCN Blizzard, played three games in three nights, all on the road, and got in early Sunday morning.

I had to drive to Winnipeg for a 2:45 p.m. flight (eight hours!), but kind of forgot we had to wear dress clothes. I showed up to the airport in sweat pants and a sweat shirt and had to scramble with my parents to find something to wear since all my suits were already checked in … just barely made my flight!

I was on a Winnipeg-Edmonton-Kelowna flight, where the coaches were waiting for us to bus to Penticton, about an hour away. I couldn’t stop looking at the amazing mountains – it’s not every day I get to see mountains close up!

Penticton is beautiful, at least what I’ve seen so far … I’ll give you my thoughts tomorrow!