Rattie amped up for second try cracking squad

Airdrie native Ty Rattie has been through the world junior selection camp drill before, cut as an 18-year-old and a victim of the numbers game last year.

Also, with the NHL generously loaning Anaheim’s Devante Smith-Pelly and Tampa Bay’s Brett Connelly, the Portland Winterhawks forward fell from the depth chart.

This year, his role is clearly laid out for him — a top-six forward that can score.

“So, I have to prove to them in camp that I can be that guy,” he said.

He proved a lot during the series against the Russians over the summer, finding open ice and helping pace Canada in scoring with three goals and two assists in four games. He and his linemates, Barrie Colts native Mark Scheifele and Saint John Sea Dogs forward Jonathan Huberdeau, combined for a total 14 points.

A year has passed since last year’s Hockey Canada camp and he’s 19 now, almost ready to wrap up his junior career. But Rattie still remembers the disappointment of getting Hockey Canada’s bad news phone call during the 2012 selection camp.

“Oh yeah, it hurt,” said the 32nd overall draft choice of the St. Louis Blues in 2011. “It hurt for a while, especially it being in Calgary and the chance to play in front of my friends and family. It stung for a bit, but it’s OK now.

“This time last year I was about 10 pounds lighter, but I also think I’m a smarter player and a better player. It makes a huge difference, what a year can do. I’m going to go in there and try to prove it.”

There are plenty of storylines at this year’s camp and, of course, no bigger than the NHL lockout.

If the labour impasse continues, Canada’s team is going to be bolstered because of it.

“They (the NHL) are kind of at a struggling point right now but it’s exciting for the junior level,” Rattie said. “I think that’s going to give Team Canada better players and a better chance to win.

“It sucks there’s no NHL but kind of a good thing for Team Canada.”