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Brett Brochu reflects on longshot rise to Canada's world junior team

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Brett Brochu is a member of the Canadian world junior hockey team. Three years ago, he would have laughed at whoever told him that was possible.

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“I was playing Junior C, got cut from five Junior B teams and didn’t know if I would be able to play in the OHL,” the London Knights goaltender said. “Fast forward to now and I’ve played my first pro game and am sitting here lucky enough to get a chance at playing the best junior hockey there is.

“The Knights organization helped me get to this point and I’m not done yet.”

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The 19-year-old from Tilbury was announced as one of three goalies and 35 players – along with Knights captain Luke Evanglelista – invited to the selection camp, which runs Dec. 9-12 in Calgary. Hockey Canada decided to eliminate all doubt in net and take the three goaltenders they will carry at the tournament in Edmonton and Red Deer.

Brochu, still an NHL free agent, made an impression at selection camp last year. He’s going back to fight for the No. 1 spot alongside Red Wings first rounder Sebastian Cossa of the Edmonton Oil Kings and Kamloops Blazers netminder Dylan Garand.

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“It’s different this year, they’re taking all three guys,” Brochu said. “It’s really good news, but I want to be playing come Boxing Day. I’m sure the other two guys are saying the same. I want to help Canada win a gold medal. I’ve got a lot of work to do, but I’m really excited and happy I’m getting this opportunity.

“Whatever my role is on the team, it’ll be a fun and good ride.”

Brochu leads the OHL with 14 wins and has started 19 of the Knights’ first 20 games. The Knights aren’t in first place in the league without him.

“He’s consistently good,” London GM Mark Hunter said. “That’s the key for any hockey player. I’m so happy for him.”

Evangelista has been the OHL’s most prolific goal scorer with 20 in his first 18 games. It’s not just the quantity, either. He scores them when London really needs them and Hockey Canada shouldn’t overlook the Predators second-rounder.

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“It’s a tough team to make,” Brochu said. “Luke is going to have to be good and he deserves every bit of this chance. I think he’s going to do whatever it takes to be on that team. I see him every day and know what he brings to the table. A team like Canada will definitely need him on their roster if they want the best team available.”

Evangelista is not a one-trick right winger. He plays defence and kills penalties, too, and is just as valuable in a checking role as he would be in a top-six offensive spot.

“He’s versatile and that will get him to the NHL sooner than later,” Hunter said. ““He listens. I hate to say it but you’ve got to listen. It’s like in school. If you don’t listen, you don’t get better. He’s a very smart kid and he’s feeling good about himself.”

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AROUND THE RINK: Brochu will miss at least seven Knights games due to world junior duty. Evangelista will miss a minimum two games (against Windsor and Guelph Dec. 10-11) and more if he makes the team. Owen Flores, with one OHL start to his credit, will see the crease more often. Matt Onuska (mononucelosis) is still recovering and the team hopes he will be available before the Christmas break . . . The Knights are working to secure the services of import defenceman Kirill Steklov, but won’t have to go into this weekend’s games with only five defencemen. Rookie Jackson Edward is back to health after missing a couple of weeks with a groin pull. Oliver Bonk should be available after the Capital City Challenge, but the Knights want to check on him, Denver Barkey and Easton Cowan first. They have just been part of five games in six days.


KNIGHTSWATCH

Friday: vs. Erie, 7:30 p.m. at Budweiser Gardens.
Saturday: vs. Sarnia, 4 p.m. at the Bud.

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