Blazers goalie Garand talks World Juniors and his hockey future

Dylan Garand fulfilled the dream of many young Canadian hockey players this winter, representing Team Canada at the IIHF 2021 World Junior Hockey Championships.

Garand, netminder for the Kamloops Blazers, was the youngest goalie on the Canadian roster. He appeared in his first WJC game on Dec. 26, putting in one period of work in a 16-2 win over Germany.

That was the only action Garand saw in the tournament.

The promise of gold is never guaranteed, even with a star-studded team like the one Canada iced in Edmonton.

Garand said it's tough to think many of his Team Canada won't get another shot next year. Luckily for him, he still has another year of eligibility.

"Hopefully the spot is mine to lose," Garand told Castanet Kamloops.

In the meantime, the Western Hockey League announced last week that the league will be conducted this year. The deadline for players to declare for the United States Hockey League was Sunday, so this comes as welcome news, especially to Garand.

"Before we heard this news it wasn't really looking too good," Garand said. "But I'm happy that things are working out."

After a few days rest and relaxation at home, Garand will be heading back to Kamloops to join his teammates in preparation for this year's WHL season.

As for the next steps, Garand, a 2020 draft pick of the New York Rangers, said he's hoping the Big Apple will be in his future.