The Bozeman Amateur Hockey Association (BAHA) announces that youth program player, J.R. Small was invited to attend Canada’s Western Hockey League (WHL) combine camp in Anaheim, CA, April 15-17. Small is a bantam level hockey player in BAHA’s travel youth league.

"I am really excited to represent the Bozeman Icedogs [youth program] and BAHA at the combine this weekend,” Small said. “I appreciate all the excellent coaching and support I have received and can't wait to go show them what Bozeman hockey is all about."

The camp is an opportunity for kids from around the U.S. to be evaluated as possible players for the upper level hockey league. Small was scouted at a tournament in Missoula this winter, and identified as eligible to attend. The WHL starts to consider players in their second year of bantam level play, and this year is only open to U.S. residents born in 2001.

“I’m only aware of three players from the Bozeman area to attend this camp,” said owner of Top Shelf Hockey in Bozeman, Garry Hefty. “One being, my son Morgan. After he attended the camp, a ton of doors opened up. The opportunities it can create are incredible.”

According to a press release on their website, “The WHL is the largest Major Junior Hockey League in North America and is a leading supplier of player talent to the National Hockey League.” The invitation only camp takes place in the Anaheim Ducks practice arena. The players will attend seminars, a practice, and scrimmages throughout the weekend.

For complete information on the WHL and combine camps, please visit http://whl.ca/

For More Information please contact:

Layne Fisher with the Bozeman Amateur Hockey Association lfisher@bozemanhockey.org
406-240-3031