St. Albert native Matteo Gennaro has been selected as one of 44 players invited to Hockey Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 selection camp in Calgary in early August.
Twenty-two players will be selected to represent Canada at the U18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
“I’m honoured,” said Gennaro. “It’s a big opportunity to work with some really highly touted coaches and players. It’s really exciting.”
Gennaro spent last season playing for the Prince Albert Raiders with prospect goaltender Nick McBride and third overall NHL draft pick Leon Draisaitl.
“I’ve known Nick for a while now. We both came up at the same time and we’re the same age. He’s a great guy,” said Gennaro.
McBride has also been invited to the selection camp this summer.
“It’s a big help when you’re going someplace new to have that kind of support from someone you know,” said Gennaro. “We can rely on each other.”
Gennaro attributes this invitation to his play at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge tournament this year where he led his team in points with four goals and three assists in six games.
“I think the scouts can see me fulfilling a few roles,” said Gennaro. “I bring some size up the middle of the ice. I can play two-way hockey. Recently, I’ve been working on my offence, so that’s another dimension I have.”
Leon Draisaitl led the Raiders last year with 38 goals and 105 points.
For Gennaro, just watching Draisaitl play has helped him improve as a player.
“Leon’s a good example on the ice for us,” said Gennaro. “He does so many little details that are hard to see from the stands but make a big difference out there. It’s really inspiring.”
Equally inspiring is seeing Draisaitl picked up by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the recent draft.
“The NHL is the ultimate dream,” said Gennaro. “It’s why I practice and play hard [every day]. It doesn’t matter which team drafts me, that isn’t the most important part.”
“There’s just so many people who helped get me here,” Gennaro continued. “So many people that have been improving me and working with me that I don’t think I can single one person out. It wouldn’t be fair. I’m really grateful.”
