Day Two: Canada's World Jr. Development Camp

A bit of excitement in the morning portion of Canada's World Junior Development Camp today as it was revealed that Cody Hodgson - the 2009 WJHC Tournament Leading Scorer - is listed as day to day with an "upper body injury". Hodgson will be replaced by Eric O'Dell of the OHL's Sudbury Wolves. O'Dell was at the rink late this morning, but I didn't get a chance to speak with him.

Al Murray, Canada's Head Scout, had this to say about O'dell...

"He played for us previously at the Under-18 tournament and he came in last summer for the evaluation camp and was there last year. He's a highly skilled player who plays with a lot of energy and a lot of complete. He did a great job at the World U18 when we won Gold. His season this year wasn't quite as strong and didn't get invited initially to the camp. But like Cody Eakin, as soon as we had an opportunity to fill a spot, they were brought right in. I think if you've seen Cody out there, he hasn't missed a beat and I'm sure Eric will do a fine job for us."

As for Hodgson, he's played a lot of hockey this year. He was part of the Manitoba Moose's Calder Cup run and has recently tweaked a pre-existing "upper body injury". It's no secret what Hodgson brings to this team so the coaching staff felt there was no need to risk further injury and will let him sit out the on-ice portion of camp.

I spoke with Jordan Eberle and will have a pretty sweet story tomorrow night on Global Sports - Eberle talks about being in a "win-win" situation where he either plays in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers or returns to the Regina Pats to chase after the Memorial Cup and hopefully represent Canada in their quest for an unprecidented sixth straight Gold Medal.

I'll discuss Eberle tomorrow on the blog.

Tonight on Global Sports... Esther Madziya has a great story on Moose Jaw Warriors Defenceman, Travis Hamonic, who hopes to crack Team Canada's roster. I'll have the Dylan Olsen story, who is trying to become the first "Junior A" player to represent Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships since Paul Kariya in 1992.