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Rourke Chartier's return to the Kelowna Rockets lineup couldn't come at a better time.
Chartier, who has missed almost two months with a broken bone in his hand, was one of two Rockets invited to take part in the World Junior selection camp.
Chartier suffered the injury Oct. 6 in Medicine Hat. He has been cleared to return Wednesday, when the Rockets host Kootenay.
Rockets president/GM Bruce Hamilton says it's imperative Chartier gets some playing time before next week's selection camp.
"He was the last cut last year, and (Hockey Canada) feels an obligation to give him an opportunity," says Hamilton.
"But, he has to play this weekend in order to be eligible. If he hasn't played any games by this weekend, it's very difficult to have him at the camp."
Chartier broke the bone in his hand blocking a shot. Hamilton says it has been slow to heal.
"He was in San Jose this weekend to see the doctors there, and our medical team here has certainly been involved. Because he is a signed player, we wanted the NHL team to have the last say."
Chartier had three goals and an assist in seven games before going down with the injury.
Eighteen-year-old forward Nick Merkley has also been invited to the selection camp, which runs from Dec. 10 to 14 at the MasterCard Centre in Etobicoke, Ont.
Merkley has 10 goals and 15 assists in 23 games this season.
"He had a great summer camp, which is really important, and he didn't hurt himself in the Russian games," says Hamilton.
"I think there has probably been too much time spent on what his production has been here. The team is winning, and he's a point-a-game guy."
Hamilton says he believes Team Canada coach Dave Lowry sees Merkley in more of a checking role.
Chartier and Merkley are two of 30 players invited to the camp, which will determine the final 22-man roster for the World Junior Championships in Helsinki, Finland, beginning on Boxing Day.
Only three players are returning from last year's gold medal winning team, Joe Hicketts (Victoria), Brayden Point (Moose Jaw and Lawson Crouse (Kingston).
