Chatham native Joseph Raaymakers is about to find out how he stacks up against the top goaltending talent across the country.
Hockey Canada is hosting a three day goalie camp that includes the top eight netminders vying for the National Men's Under-18 team. The 17-year-old Raaymakers says he's excited about the invite , but at the same time trying to keep his emotions in check.
"You just have to realize that there's a lot of work to be done and the guys that got invited back are working just as hard as you if not more," says Raaymakers. "So you've just got to push yourself and keep reminding yourself that the guy beside you wants to be in your place and wants to make the team as well." In the weeks that follow the camp Hockey Canada officials will select four goalies to compete at the main tryout camp in August, where two netminders will be selected to the Under-18 team.
Raaymakers recently wrapped-up his rookie year with the OHL's Soo Greyhounds, where he played in 25 regular season games, finishing the year with a 14-and-7 record, a goals against average of 3.05, and an 0.898 save percentage