While the NHL could very well still be locked out at the end of December, Bruins fans will have something else to distract them while the league and players come to their senses.
A number of Bruins prospectsfive to be exact -- were officially invited to World Junior Team Selection camps, and could be key players in the tournament that pits the best hockey players in the world under the age of 20 against each other. Defenseman Dougie Hamilton is expected to be the cornerstone blue-liner for Team Canada, and 2012 first round pick Malcolm Subban is in the mix to be Canadas starting goaltender. Hamilton has 39 points (7 goals, 32 assists) in 30 games for the Niagara IceDogs, and Subban is 13-7-3 with a 2.23 goals against average and .931 save percentage along with a pair of shutouts.
Rugged winger Anthony Camara plays for the OHLsBarrie Colts and has put up 34 points (19 goals, 15 assists) in 28 games this season, and has really become an intriguing all-around prospect that combines offensive ability with a willingness to drop the gloves.
The World Junior tournament could be a nice final NHL tune-up for Hamilton if the lockout finally ends during the month of January, though theres no guarantee of that right now.
Meanwhile, Bruins 2012 third round pick and Boston University defenseman Matt Grzelcyk has been invited to the US World Junior Selection Camp along with North Reading resident Jim Vesey. Grzelcyk has 12 points (2 goals, 10 assists) in 14 games for the Terriers this season.
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Russian forward Alex Khokhlachev, who is struggling to carve out a niche for himself in the KHL this year, will likewise play for the Team Russian entry when the tournament gets started in his home country. Koko has seven points (2 goals, 5 assists) in 25 games for Moscow Spartak, but starred in the Super Subway Series when a team of Russian youngsters barnstormed through Canada playing junior teams last month.
The 2013 World Junior Hockey Championship will be held in Ufa, Russia from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5.
