Rocket forward to World Jr. camp

Kelowna Rockets' forward, Colton Sissons could be spending the Christmas holidays in Russia.

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo

Rockets captain Colton Sissons has been invited to the Canadian World Jr. selection camp

The Rockets captain, as expected, was one of 37 players named to the Canadian World Junior team selection camp.

The camp runs from December 11 to 13 in Calgary, at which time the 22 player roster will be selected.

Sissons is one of 21 forwards named to the selection camp. Traditionally, the team has kept 13 forwards for the world championships.

If Sissons is able to crack the squad, he would become the 12th Kelowna Rocket to represent Canada at the World Junior Championship.

A second round draft choice of the Nashville Predators this past June, Sissons is off to a hot start to the season with 10 goals and 17 assists in 27 games. He is also a plus 24.

Four forwards named to the squad took part in the 2012 championship including Jonathan Huberdeau, Boone Jenner, Mark Scheifele and Ryan Strome.

Consensus 2013 number one overall pick Nathan MacKinnon and 2011 number one overall pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins were also invited to the selection camp.

Canada’s National Junior Team will depart for Europe on December 15, and play in two pre-competition games in Helsinki prior to the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship to be held in Ufa, Russia.

Canada will play its first game of the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship on Boxing Day, December 26 against Finland.

Other former Rockets at the World Junior's include:

• Tyson Barrie 2011 - Silver
• Brandon McMillan 2010 - Silver
• Tyler Myers/Jamie Benn 2009 - Gold
• Luke Schenn 2008 - Gold
• Blake Comeau 2006 - Gold
• Shea Weber 2005 - Gold
• Josh Gorges 2004 - Silver
• Chuck Kobasew 2002 - Silver
• Brett McLean 1998 - 8th
• Robb Gordon 1996 - Gold

If he makes the squad, Sissons would miss the entire five game Alberta road trip and as many as six more games after the Christmas break.