Friday, August 26, 2011

Wisconsin's Aldoff invited to attend Canada West WJAC evaluation camp

Press Release

THUNDER BAY, Ont. – The Superior International Junior Hockey League has announced that Rod Aldoff, head coach and general manager of the Wisconsin Wilderness, has been invited by Hockey Canada and the Canadian Jr. Hockey League to take part in the upcoming Team Canada West evaluation camp Sept. 11-15 in Canmore, Alta.

Aldoff will participate as well as help evaluate talent during the course of the camp that will see as many as 60 prospects from the SIJHL, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia Jr. Hockey Leagues showcasing their talents as part of the process for hopefuls to earn a spot on the Canada West roster that will compete in the World Jr. A Challenge, Nov. 7-13, in Langley, B.C.

“This is a well deserved opportunity for Rod and a very positive endorsement of the entire SIJHL,” stated Ron Whitehead, president and commissioner of the SIJHL.

“Knowing that our league continues to be recognized for our efforts across the entire Canadian Jr. Hockey League shows that we are headed in the right direction,” added Whitehead.

Aldoff guided the Wilderness to the best record in the SIJHL last season at 45-6-5 before going on to capture the Bill Salonen Cup league playoff championship. He would also be named the recipient of the Gary Cook Memorial Award, which goes annually the league’s top executive.

The list of invitees to the evaluation camp will be announced by the CJHL in the coming days.

Following the evaluation camp players will continue to be monitored with their club teams during the early weeks of the 2011-12 season. Among those on the advisory committee to designate SIJHL prospects is Wayne Strachan, head coach/GM of the Fort Frances Lakers.

A selection camp the week prior to the 2011 World Junior A Challenge will be held to get down to the final 22-player Canada West roster.

Of note, the CJHL will also be hosting their annual Prospects Event in conjunction with the WJAC where 40 of the top NHL draft eligible players in the CJHL will compete in a two-game, total-goal series in an East vs. West format.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

No comments: