Canada’s Under-20 Men’s coaching staff is going to have some difficult decisions after this weekend’s final selection camp at Shawnigan Lake School and the Pacific Institute of Sporting Excellence on Vancouver Island.

Thirty-five players from across the country competed for four days in hopes of being chosen to represent Canada at the World Trophy in Russia this May. The camp was based around fitness testing, player evaluations and in-class preparation dedicated to discussing the team’s offensive and defensive structure.

Head Coach Tim Murdy expected his players to play at high level of physicality and showcase why they deserved to be on this heavily-talented squad.

“There was certainly an element of contact and physicality because we did want to challenge the guys’ fitness and almost create game-like situations,” said Murdy.

While most of the weekend was played at a fast-paced tempo, the boys at the camp took some time to bond and have a bit of fun, which helps the team’s chemistry.

“You have to find the right balance, you can’t just go at it full board for four days otherwise guys’ bodies will self destruct. Bonding is a big part of it as well, on and off the field, if your team wants to be successful at these tournaments,” says Murdy.  Keaton Styles recently travelled to Wellington, New Zealand and Las Vegas as a member of Canada’s National 7’s Team and believes the U-20’s are coming together nicely.

“The weekend went really well, each camp we’re getting progressively better and there was a lot of hard hitting and a lot of competition. We have a lot of depth in every position and I think everyone is a little sore after this weekend, but it’s worth it for Russia and all the guys are starting to come together well,” said Styles.