Local forward Conor Geekie has the opportunity to wear the Maple Leaf on his jersey. Geekie has been invited to the National Men’s U18 Team Summer Development Camp in Alberta. The Straithclair, Manitoba product describes his initial reaction.

"I was outside playing baseball and my friend said 'your phone is ringing.' When I picked up, I got the news," Geekie explains. "I was pretty excited. It's a big honour being able to represent your country, even though it's just a tryout. Just being able to get the opportunity is pretty special."

Geekie is one of 45 players who will be attending this camp at the end of the month and he says he knew it was possible but it is still surreal now that it is happening. The camp runs for eleven days and will see the players split into two teams to run drills and play intrasquad games. Canada’s National Junior Team will be in attendance for two of the days as well to practice with and play against the camp invites.

Geekie started out last season in the MJHL with the Virden Oil Capitals where he put up four points in nine games before the league shut down. He is extremely grateful for that opportunity.

"Obviously, I was pretty lucky to get to go to Virden to start the season. With COVID restrictions and not knowing if the WHL was going to start, I'm very thankful for them," says Geekie. "They even traded for me. That was a blessing."

The forward says it was difficult to stay in game shape throughout the hiatus but notes he was ready when the WHL bubble came about. Geekie totalled 23 points in 24 games for the Winnipeg Ice in the bubble and says it was an experience unlike any other.

"It was pretty cool, it's a memory I'll never forget," Geekie explains. "You're hanging out with the guys 24/7 for a few months of your life, so we got to know each other pretty quick. We were all super excited just to get going and be able to play hockey. It was a physical grind off the start and then it started to become easier as it went on."

Geekie will attend Team Canada's camp taking place from July 25 - August 4 in the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on the Tsuut'ina Nation near Calgary.