Off Day at Canada's World Junior Development Camp

An off day at Canada's World Junior Development Camp as both the players and coaching staff left the rink to hit the links.

So instead of having nothing to write about, let's talk about Jordan Eberle. Oh yes, Canada's Golden Child - the guy who scored that infamous game tying goal with 5.6 seconds left in last year's World Junior Semi Final against Russia.



He's seen "The Goal" countless of times, and he's asked about it so much that it's become an instant conversation starter with him.

And while he admits it's the biggest goal of his career, the 19-year old is now ready to move on and create new memories. He has that opportunity this winter, and while no spot is guarenteed with Team Canada, he's a virtual lock for this year's team. No complacency on his part though, he'll be fighting for a spot like everyone else.

"What happened in the past, happened in the past. Obviously it affects the future a bit but like I said earlier, it's good to get on the ice with the guys like this and as a hockey player competing is a really big thing and you wanna be the best guy out there. As far as that goes, all these guys are competing as hard as they can, including the vets and you know we're tryin to get ready for camp and leave an impression"

Willie Desjardins, Canada's Head Coach, tends to agree.

"You gotta respect guys that have been with the program before. We certainly know what he can do and that's the hard part too. What you do in summer camp is one thing, what you do in a game is another, but what you do under pressure is the third thing and Eberle showed what he can do under pressure and that certainly gives him an advantage over the other guys."

But as good as Eberle is, he may not be at the World Junior Hockey Championships this December. If he has it his way, instead of the Red and White of Team Canada, he'll be in the Copper and Blue of the Edmonton Oilers.

"Obviously I'd like to play in the NHL - that's definitely the goal. I'm going to go into camp and try and make that team but you gotta look at it as a win-win situation. I wanna be in Edmonton but there's a great back up plan. I get to go and try and win another Memorial Cup - one of the hardest trophies to win - and also probably see another shot here, hopefully, with the World Juniors in Saskatoon. Not many kids get to play in their home province let alone play twice with Canada in Canada."

The NHL or helping Canada in its quest for six straight Gold Medals - it'll be another winter Jordan Eberle won't soon forget.