Halifax’s Steven Anthony didn’t exactly set the world on fire in his rookie year with the Saint John Sea Dogs.
So it’s understandable that the 17-year-old was on pins and needles waiting for Hockey Canada to announce its selection-camp roster for this summer’s under-18 team.
Turns out he didn’t have anything to worry about it. Anthony was one of 40 players selected yesterday to participate in the camp, which runs Aug. 1 to 6 in Calgary.
“You’re always nervous about making a team and getting invited like that,” the 6-foot-2, 195-pound centre said. “After having a year like that and getting picked, it’s exciting, and I just want to show them they made the right choice.”
Halifax Mooseheads forward Travis Randell, Moncton Wildcats forward Matt Brown of Bible Hill, and Cape Breton Screaming Eagles goaltender Olivier Roy also made the camp.
Anthony, who was selected 10th overall in last year’s QMJHL draft, collected six goals and eight assists in 55 games while buried on the fourth line on a deep Sea Dogs team. He went from a top 50 prospect on International Scouting Service’s ranking for the 2009 NHL entry draft to falling completely off it.
“I played on a good team, I didn’t get as much ice time, but that’s part of being a young guy in major junior,” Anthony said. “I’m happy with the year but I could have done better.
“I’m glad the guys with Hockey Canada have faith in me, and they gave me a shot. I don’t want to let them down.”
