The goaltender for the Windsor Spitfires will have another crack at making Team Canada's World Juniors team.
Michael DiPietro is one of the three goalies selected by Hockey Canada to participate in its selection camp, in preparation for the 2019 World Junior Hockey Championship in British Columbia. There are 34 total players being invited to camp.
DiPietro was one of the later cuts from last year's squad, but he said he has put that disappointment behind and wants to focus on making the team this time.
"I'm approaching this one as another opportunity, a chance to show that I do deserve a spot on this team and that everything that happened last year, I used as a positive." said DiPietro. "My motivation is not 'redemption". It's another opportunity to wear the Team Canada logo on the world stage."
DiPietro, an Amherstburg native, is shrugging off the notion that, with the tournament taking place in Vancouver and Victoria, added pressure is being placed on him. He is a prospect for the NHL Vancouver Canucks.
"I'm pretty sure a lot of people are going to try to make something of that," quipped DiPietro. "But it's not even on my mind. Making the team first and winning gold are the only things I'm focused on."
The Spits goalie said he is excited to see a former teammate, forward Gabriel Vilardi, invited to the camp as well. Vilardi is a prospect with the Los Angeles Kings and currently plays for their AHL affiliate, the Ontario (California) Reign.
The camp opens on Tuesday, December 11 with the final roster to be announced by Hockey Canada the following Friday. The 2019 World Junior Hockey Championship runs from December 26 to January 5.