Ang invited to world juniors camp
Hard work to improve all facets of his game has paid off for forward, Petes coach says
Jonathan Ang tried to treat Wednesday as just another day, a morning workout, an afternoon practice, but it was not just another day.
Ang was one of 32 players Hockey Canada announced Wednesday afternoon it’s inviting to Canada’s national junior team selection camp Dec. 12-15 in St. Catharines.
Ang found out about 36 hours earlier in a phone call from Hockey Canada officials.
“It was pretty surreal,” Ang said. “I didn’t really expect much. I just tried to keep my head to myself and just play my game. When I got the call it was pretty exciting. I’ve worked pretty hard.”
The same phone call didn’t come for two players with Peterborough connections who were at Canada’s summer development camp. Petes goalie Dylan Wells was not among the four goalies invited. Peterborough native Owen Tippett, of the Mississauga Steelheads, wasn’t among 17 forwards.
Like most Canadian kids, Ang said he grew up watching the world juniors during the holiday season.
“When it really hit me is when Canada had a stretch where they won it five years in a row,” Ang said. “I thought, wow, it would be nice one day to get that invite.”
The 32 players will be cut down to 22 for the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships which start Dec. 26 in Buffalo. Ang realizes his work is just beginning.
“I haven’t made anything, yet,” he said. “I’ve just made the camp. It’s an opportunity. I have to go out there and play my game and show them what I can do.”
Ang has elevated his game this season leading the Petes in scoring with 14 goals, 19 assists for 33 points in 28 games.
“I always try to improve each year and take whatever I learn and put it into my game. This year I think I’ve been doing it pretty well. Just the little things. Being more aware of the little details. Being more physical in the corners. Playing with intensity and bringing it every game.”
“It’s a goal he made for himself a couple of years ago when he was a part of different events through Hockey Canada,” said Petes head coach Jody Hull.
“As you grow asap layer through the junior ranks that’s probably your ultimate goal is to give yourself a chance to be on the world junior team. He’s been playing some good hockey for us and represented himself well at both the summer evaluation camp and the two Canada-Russia Series games he participated in. I’m happy for him and glad he’s getting this opportunity.”
Hull said the things Ang has improved have led to his increased production.
“He’s taken some big steps from last year, for sure,” Hull. said “He realizes there are other facets of the game and those are the areas he’s gotten better at which have allowed his offensive production to be better. To me, that’s what is important. Every day he’s becoming a little more of a complete player.”
Before Ang heads to camp he’ll help the Petes through a tough stretch of three games in three days. They host the Sudbury Wolves at 7:05 p.m. Thursday on Teddy Bear Toss NIght. They visit the London Knights on Friday and the Sarnia Sting on Saturday.
NOTES: Nick Robertson is not expected to play this weekend. He’s not yet skating after suffering an upper body injury last Thursday. Petes coach Jody Hull is hopeful Robertson can return next week. Bobby Dow participated in full practice on Wednesday and is a gametime decision for Thursday. He was injured last week crashing into the boards.