June 15, 2009
Omaha Lancers forward Louis Leblanc and former Lancers defenseman Patrick Wiercioch. (Robert J. Meyer/USHL Images)
Hockey Canada announced this week its invitees for Canada's National Junior Team development camp. Among the 45 invitees are Omaha Lancers forward Louis Leblanc and former Lancer Patrick Wiercioch.
Leblanc was named the USHL Rookie of the Year and a member of the USHL All-Rookie Team after collecting 59 points (28g, 31a) during the 2008-09 season. He led Omaha in scoring and played all 60 regular season games for the club. Leblanc tied for second in the USHL with six game-winning goals. He recorded a hat trick in just his sixth game of the season, and then registered hat tricks in consecutive games – 2/28/09 and 3/6/09. He is committed to Harvard University and projected as a potential first-round selection in next week's NHL Draft.
Wiercioch spent the 2007-08 season with the Omaha Lancers scoring 21 points (3g, 18a) in 40 games. The defenseman was the team's second leading scoring in the playoffs as he contributed 11 points (2g, 9a) in 14 games and helped the Lancers capture the Clark Cup. He enjoyed an outstanding freshman season at the University of Denver in 2008-09. Wiercioch scored 35 points (12g, 23a) in 36 games on his way to being named to the All-WCHA Rookie Team and All-WCHA Second Team.
Canada's development camp will take place August 5-10 in Saskatoon Saskatchewan. The camp will help determine those who make the final roster for the Canada National Junior Team that will compete in the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship from December 26, 2009 to January 5, 2010 in Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan.
The USHL celebrated its 30th season of junior hockey in 2008-09. With nearly 180 players already committed to NCAA Division I schools and 17 NHL Draft picks that played in the league this season, the USHL is the nation's foremost producer of junior hockey talent. For more information, visit us on the web at www.ushl.com.
