Calgary Hitmen players Beck Malenstyn and Jake Bean have been selected to join Canada’s national under-17 development camp.
“It’s terrific when your players get recognized, and having Beck and Jake invited to the camp is a testament to their ability and the work of the Hitmen scouting staff,” said Hitmen general manager and vice-president of business operations Mike Moore.
The Canadian Hockey League announced the 96 skaters invited to Canada’s national under-17 development camp on Tuesday, June 10.
“Both Beck and Jake are committed to excellence and work hard at improving as players. They are both talented and have a strong work ethic,” Moore said.
Malenstyn, a forward from Delta, British Columbia, recorded 33 goals and 26 assists for 59 points in 45 games. He was selected by Calgary 18th overall in the first round of the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft. Malenstyn joined the Hitmen for five games last season and added three assists over that period of time.
Bean, a defenceman, starred in 57 games with Edge School Elite 15 and finished the season as the team’s top point-producing defenceman, with 27 goals and 42 assists. In February, Bean received the Canadian Sport School Hockey League’s Elite 15 Top Defenceman award.
“They will be among the best players in the country for their age group, and this will be a terrific measuring stick for them,” Moore said.
The development camp will preform as Canada Hockey’s new under-17 structure, concentrating on player development.
The camp presents an opportunity for players to develop their skills and potentially represent Canada at the under-17 program, and possibly at the World Junior Championship later in their career.