Three WHL defencemen and one forward have impressive showings, and look to make it to the next stage of camp.
With things well underway in Oakville, Ont. for Team Canada's Under-17 selection camp, a select few skaters from Western Canada are making strong cases for their spots on the national team. According to The Hockey News' Ryan Kennedy, a few WHLers stood out during the event, which could lead to future spots on Team Canada rosters. Here is a look at the four WHLers that Kennedy highlighted.
Jaxon Jacobson, LW (Brandon Wheat Kings): Making his first appearance in the WHL in the 2023-24 season, Jacobson made a statement with six points in seven games. The Brandon native also torched his second U18 AAA campaign, collecting 37 goals and 106 points in just 35 games. "He (Jacobson) had a couple of brilliant primary assists in the game I saw him play and was just generally around the puck all the time." wrote THN writer Ryan Kennedy.
Keaton Verhoeff, D (Victoria Royals): While not as explosive offensively as Jacobson, the 6'3" blueliner played 12 games for the Royals in 2023-24 and notched two assists. In addition, Verhoeff put up 27 points in 22 games for RINK Academy Kelowna U18 of the CSSHL. Described in camp as a "big, mean defenceman" Verhoeff looks to use his size much more than scoring capability.
Landon DuPont, D (Everett Silvertips): The one many have been waiting for, DuPont has not disappointed in Oakville. Despite being the youngest at camp, the Calgary product has shown he belongs at this level. Over 30 games at the U18 AAA level last season, DuPont tallied 19 goals and 62 points. "He's hard to knock down," wrote Kennedy, "and even when he gets in trouble, he's got a fast processor that allows him to find solutions quickly."
Giorgos Pantelas, D (Brandon): Another 6'2" defender, Pantelas, played just one game with the Wheat Kings last season but got himself 16 points in 30 games with RINK Academy Kelowna U18. The Laval, Que. native shows promise of a two-way play style that can move the puck effectively.
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