Denver Barkey's hard work and high compete level has caught many eyes here at Canada's World Junior Selection Camp, and he is fighting hard to earn himself a spot on the final roster.
Denver Barkey picked up one goal and one assist at yesterday's 4-2 win versus the USports All Star team, but it wasn't just his production that stood out.
Barkey relentlessly competed hard on every shift, not taking a single one off. He closes tightly on pressure on the forecheck and backcheck, and battles hard in the corners.
Barkey said his goal for this camp was to show that he can "compete, battle down low and win battles, and just do the little things right."
He has been referred to as a "dog on a bone" a lot throughout this selection camp, and that phrase sums up his competitive nature.
Head Coach Alan Letang had some positive things to say about Barkey after yesterday's game as well.
"I see him lots in London, he gives you everything on the ice. He's such a swiss army knife, he can play on the powerplay, he can play on the penalty kill."
His willingness to do anything to help this team win is remarkable.
Though he stands at just 5-foot-9, and 154-pounds, Barkey doesn't let his size affect his game. He plays a much bigger game, and doesn't shy away from initiating contact.
His linemate Matthew Wood was asked about playing with Barkey in this game.
"He definitely doesn't play his size or his height, he plays a lot bigger."
"He's a special player, really fun to play with," said Wood, who assisted on Barkey's goal that deflected off of his shin pad.
The London Knights centre was drafted in the 3rd round by the Philadelphia Flyers in Nashville this past June. He is attending camp alongside two of his Knights teammates; Oliver Bonk and Easton Cowan.
Canada will announce their final roster Wednesday night at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville, Ontario. The trio of London Knights will be hoping to hear their names called, and that they will be on the flight to Sweden in the coming days.
