Canucks Development Camp: A quick look at the invitees
By Dave Hall
4 days agoThis article is brought to you by bet365!
The Vancouver Canucks have announced their 2024 Development Camp roster.
Unlike most years, where the club invites up to 50 skaters, this year’s group consists of only 28 players – 24 skaters and four goaltenders.
Here is the roster:
Here is the schedule:
- Monday, July 1
- Group session: 1:00pm – 1:45pm (Rink C)
- Tuesday, July 2
- Group session: 10:00am – 11:20am (multiple rinks)
- Small Area Games: 11:40am – 12:30pm (multiple rinks)
- Thursday, July 4
- Group session: 9:45am – 10:40am (multiple rinks)
- Intrasquad game: 11:00am – 12:30pm (Father Bauer Arena)
The Returnees
Vilmer Alriksson
Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’6″ | Weight: 214 lbs
The towering Swede is coming off a respectable OHL rookie season with the Guelph Storm, racking up 33 points (17 goals, 16 assists) while playing various roles in the lineup. With a few of the team’s top players graduating, Alriksson is expected to take on a much more prominent role next season.
Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’6″ | Weight: 214 lbs
The towering Swede is coming off a respectable OHL rookie season with the Guelph Storm, racking up 33 points (17 goals, 16 assists) while playing various roles in the lineup. With a few of the team’s top players graduating, Alriksson is expected to take on a much more prominent role next season.
Josh Bloom
Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’2″ | Weight: 215 lbs
What began as a challenging season with limited minutes at the pro level turned into a dream come true for Josh Bloom, who scored the Memorial Cup-clinching goal after returning to junior. Now officially aged out, he’ll look to set the tone at camp and earn a cemented spot in Abbotsford out of camp.
Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’2″ | Weight: 215 lbs
What began as a challenging season with limited minutes at the pro level turned into a dream come true for Josh Bloom, who scored the Memorial Cup-clinching goal after returning to junior. Now officially aged out, he’ll look to set the tone at camp and earn a cemented spot in Abbotsford out of camp.
Daimon Gardner
Position: Centre | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’4″ | Weight: 201 lbs
At 6’4″, 201 lbs, Daimon Gardner carries some very intriguing qualities. Unfortunately, his freshman year at Clarkson University didn’t go as planned, notching just one goal and six points. With a transfer to St. Cloud State, we have high hopes that he can add more to his game and put his name back on the map as an intriguing option going forward.
Position: Centre | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’4″ | Weight: 201 lbs
At 6’4″, 201 lbs, Daimon Gardner carries some very intriguing qualities. Unfortunately, his freshman year at Clarkson University didn’t go as planned, notching just one goal and six points. With a transfer to St. Cloud State, we have high hopes that he can add more to his game and put his name back on the map as an intriguing option going forward.
Jackson Kunz
Position: Centre | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 227 lbs
Making a living at the net front, Jackson Kunz enjoyed a breakout season as a Junior at North Dakota with nine goals and 19 points. We expect to see him setting the pace this week.
Position: Centre | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 227 lbs
Making a living at the net front, Jackson Kunz enjoyed a breakout season as a Junior at North Dakota with nine goals and 19 points. We expect to see him setting the pace this week.
Ty Mueller
Position: Centre | Shoots: Left | Height: 5’11″ | Weight: 201 lbs
Fresh off a Hobey Baker nomination, Ty Mueller attends camp with a new professional contract and will push for a spot in Abbotsford this fall. We liked his toolsy game and are excited to see what he can do at the pro level. He picked up 64 points across 98 games at the NCAA level.
Position: Centre | Shoots: Left | Height: 5’11″ | Weight: 201 lbs
Fresh off a Hobey Baker nomination, Ty Mueller attends camp with a new professional contract and will push for a spot in Abbotsford this fall. We liked his toolsy game and are excited to see what he can do at the pro level. He picked up 64 points across 98 games at the NCAA level.
Matt Perkins
Position: Centre | Shoots: Left | Height: 5’11″ | Weight: 174 lbs
With six goals and 15 points, it was a decent showing in his freshman year at Minnesota-Duluth, and Matthew Perkins will look to bring those newly founded skills to his second development camp.
Position: Centre | Shoots: Left | Height: 5’11″ | Weight: 174 lbs
With six goals and 15 points, it was a decent showing in his freshman year at Minnesota-Duluth, and Matthew Perkins will look to bring those newly founded skills to his second development camp.
Aiden Celebrini
Position: Defence | Shoots: Right | Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 190 lbs
Just days after seeing his brother go first overall at the NHL draft, Aiden finds himself back in Vancouver for his second Development Camp. In his first year at BU, Celebrini played primarily a 6-7 role, but with increased responsibilities this season, he’s expected to take on a larger role alongside Tom Willander.
Position: Defence | Shoots: Right | Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 190 lbs
Just days after seeing his brother go first overall at the NHL draft, Aiden finds himself back in Vancouver for his second Development Camp. In his first year at BU, Celebrini played primarily a 6-7 role, but with increased responsibilities this season, he’s expected to take on a larger role alongside Tom Willander.
Jackson Dorrington
Position: Defence | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’2″ | Weight: 192 lbs
Jackson Dorrington enjoyed a breakout season in 2023-24, splitting his career-high 12 points evenly with six goals and six assists. He’s a nightmare to play against and will likely set the tone all week.
Position: Defence | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’2″ | Weight: 192 lbs
Jackson Dorrington enjoyed a breakout season in 2023-24, splitting his career-high 12 points evenly with six goals and six assists. He’s a nightmare to play against and will likely set the tone all week.
Christian Felton
Position: Defence | Shoots: Right | Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 185 lbs
An invitee from last season, Christian Felton comes in with a fresh new contract out of college hockey. As it stands, he’s set to see time in Abbotsford as one of their three right-shot options on the farm. Depending on the summer moves, he could see significant action.
Position: Defence | Shoots: Right | Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 185 lbs
An invitee from last season, Christian Felton comes in with a fresh new contract out of college hockey. As it stands, he’s set to see time in Abbotsford as one of their three right-shot options on the farm. Depending on the summer moves, he could see significant action.
Kirill Kudryavtsev
Position: Defence | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 201 lbs
We are intrigued by what Kirill Kudryavtsev will decide to do this season. After another strong year at the OHL level, his game is likely ready for pro competition. However, with a crowded system on the left side, there may be limited opportunities in Abbotsford. Another season as an overager might be in the cards.
Position: Defence | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 201 lbs
We are intrigued by what Kirill Kudryavtsev will decide to do this season. After another strong year at the OHL level, his game is likely ready for pro competition. However, with a crowded system on the left side, there may be limited opportunities in Abbotsford. Another season as an overager might be in the cards.
Sawyer Mynio
Position: Defence | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 181 lbs
Sawyer Mynio was one of the club’s most surprising performers last year, lighting up the WHL with 16 goals and 53 points in his third season with the Seattle Thunderbirds. With a few of the team’s defenders graduating, it will be Mynio’s blue line next season before potentially turning pro.
Position: Defence | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 181 lbs
Sawyer Mynio was one of the club’s most surprising performers last year, lighting up the WHL with 16 goals and 53 points in his third season with the Seattle Thunderbirds. With a few of the team’s defenders graduating, it will be Mynio’s blue line next season before potentially turning pro.
Tom Willander
Position: Defence | Shoots: Right | Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 179 lbs
The headliner of the week, Tom Willander, will attend his second development camp. Willander is coming off his first season in North America and his first year with BU. While it wasn’t a perfect season, he had stints of strong hockey and was a large part of Sweden’s Silver Medal showing at the WJC. We expect even more in his sophomore season as he takes on a much heavier role. All eyes will be on him this week.
Position: Defence | Shoots: Right | Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 179 lbs
The headliner of the week, Tom Willander, will attend his second development camp. Willander is coming off his first season in North America and his first year with BU. While it wasn’t a perfect season, he had stints of strong hockey and was a large part of Sweden’s Silver Medal showing at the WJC. We expect even more in his sophomore season as he takes on a much heavier role. All eyes will be on him this week.
Ty Young
Position: Goalie | Catches: Left| Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 183 lbs
Ty Young lost his starting job in Prince George last season but will be looking for a bounce-back this time around. He’ll get some more hands-on work with Ian Clarke this week to take back for his fourth year in the WHL.
Position: Goalie | Catches: Left| Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 183 lbs
Ty Young lost his starting job in Prince George last season but will be looking for a bounce-back this time around. He’ll get some more hands-on work with Ian Clarke this week to take back for his fourth year in the WHL.
Aku Koskenvuo
Position: Goalie | Catches: Left | Height: 6’4″ | Weight: 201 lbs
It may not show in his 5-6-4 record, but Aku Koskenvuo is coming off a strong season. Playing for an underwhelming Harvard squad, Koskenvuo was one of the team’s top players often when between the pipes.
Position: Goalie | Catches: Left | Height: 6’4″ | Weight: 201 lbs
It may not show in his 5-6-4 record, but Aku Koskenvuo is coming off a strong season. Playing for an underwhelming Harvard squad, Koskenvuo was one of the team’s top players often when between the pipes.
Recent Draft Picks
Melvin Fernström
Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Right | Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 187 lbs
We can’t wait to get our first look at the Canucks’ top pick for the 2024 NHL Draft. Fernström is touted for his strong hockey mind and offensive package. He led the J20 Swedish league with 31 goals and finished third with 63 points. Skating and physicality are known deficiencies in his game, so the Canucks’ coaching staff will get their first hands-on look at their newest project.
Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Right | Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 187 lbs
We can’t wait to get our first look at the Canucks’ top pick for the 2024 NHL Draft. Fernström is touted for his strong hockey mind and offensive package. He led the J20 Swedish league with 31 goals and finished third with 63 points. Skating and physicality are known deficiencies in his game, so the Canucks’ coaching staff will get their first hands-on look at their newest project.
Riley Patterson
Position: Right Wing/Centre | Shoots: Right | Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 192 lbs
The Canucks have had success drafting prospects in the mid-to-late stages of the draft, and Riley Patterson certainly has what it takes to continue that trend. He’s described as a swift, dual-threat offensive producer who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. He’s fresh off a tremendous OHL rookie campaign, finishing tops in goals (29) and second in points (62).
Position: Right Wing/Centre | Shoots: Right | Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 192 lbs
The Canucks have had success drafting prospects in the mid-to-late stages of the draft, and Riley Patterson certainly has what it takes to continue that trend. He’s described as a swift, dual-threat offensive producer who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. He’s fresh off a tremendous OHL rookie campaign, finishing tops in goals (29) and second in points (62).
Anthony Romani
Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Right | Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 183 lbs
Anthony Romani enters development camp as the week’s top-producing player by a mile. Coming off a tremendous 58-goal, 111-point campaign with the North Bay Battalion (OHL), there is tons of offensive upside to be excited about. Knocks against his skating ability remain, but we are excited about the potential.
Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Right | Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 183 lbs
Anthony Romani enters development camp as the week’s top-producing player by a mile. Coming off a tremendous 58-goal, 111-point campaign with the North Bay Battalion (OHL), there is tons of offensive upside to be excited about. Knocks against his skating ability remain, but we are excited about the potential.
Parker Alcos
Position: Defence | Shoots: Right | Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 183 lbs
The Port Moody native doesn’t have to travel far to report to his first NHL camp. The sixth-rounder brings good size, with some room for growth, and a mobile profile as a right-shot option. Sixth pick or not, he brings intriguing elements to the table and likely should have gone much higher at the draft podium.
Position: Defence | Shoots: Right | Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 183 lbs
The Port Moody native doesn’t have to travel far to report to his first NHL camp. The sixth-rounder brings good size, with some room for growth, and a mobile profile as a right-shot option. Sixth pick or not, he brings intriguing elements to the table and likely should have gone much higher at the draft podium.
Basile Sansonnens
Position: Defence | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’4″ | Weight: 198 lbs
We are intrigued to get our first look at the Swiss-born shutdown defender. Admittedly, we were not too aware of his game before his draft selection, and it’s not easy finding information on his game. By all accounts, he appears to be a towering diamond in the rough.
Position: Defence | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’4″ | Weight: 198 lbs
We are intrigued to get our first look at the Swiss-born shutdown defender. Admittedly, we were not too aware of his game before his draft selection, and it’s not easy finding information on his game. By all accounts, he appears to be a towering diamond in the rough.
The Invitees
The Canucks clearly had a theme in mind for the week: grit. Most of the names added as invitees have one thing in common – a heavy motor and a strong work ethic.
Joe Arntsen
Position: Defence | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 212 lbs
Joe Arntsen is a recent Abbotsford Canucks signee, fresh off a 268-game WHL career, where he spent his last two years as team captain. With 27 goals and 106 points in those games, Arntsen isn’t known for his offensive punch, but he will certainly work his tail off to impress his new bosses.
Position: Defence | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 212 lbs
Joe Arntsen is a recent Abbotsford Canucks signee, fresh off a 268-game WHL career, where he spent his last two years as team captain. With 27 goals and 106 points in those games, Arntsen isn’t known for his offensive punch, but he will certainly work his tail off to impress his new bosses.
Hyde Davidson
Position: Defence | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’2″ | Weight: 170 lbs
The Canucks’ scouting staff got plenty of looks at Hyde Davidson over the last two seasons playing with Sawyer Mynio in Seattle. He has just two goals and 12 points across 103 games but should get better looks in the upcoming season.
Position: Defence | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’2″ | Weight: 170 lbs
The Canucks’ scouting staff got plenty of looks at Hyde Davidson over the last two seasons playing with Sawyer Mynio in Seattle. He has just two goals and 12 points across 103 games but should get better looks in the upcoming season.
Benjamin Brunelle
Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 192 lbs
Playing for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the QMJHL, Benjamin Brunelle is known as a physical presence with a good motor and a strong forecheck. He has amassed 29 goals and 67 points across 140 QMJHL games
Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 192 lbs
Playing for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the QMJHL, Benjamin Brunelle is known as a physical presence with a good motor and a strong forecheck. He has amassed 29 goals and 67 points across 140 QMJHL games
Davis Burnside
Position: Forward | Shoots: Right | Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 181 lbs
Davis Burnside, a soon-to-be junior at Ohio State University, has put up 47 points, split evenly between 23 goals and 24 assists, in 78 games. Like Brunelle, he’s described as a heavy-motored winger who loves to get in on the forecheck and crash his body around. He attended Winnipeg Jets’ camp last year.
Position: Forward | Shoots: Right | Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 181 lbs
Davis Burnside, a soon-to-be junior at Ohio State University, has put up 47 points, split evenly between 23 goals and 24 assists, in 78 games. Like Brunelle, he’s described as a heavy-motored winger who loves to get in on the forecheck and crash his body around. He attended Winnipeg Jets’ camp last year.
Callum Hughes
Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 170 lbs
Recently passed on at the 2024 entry draft, Calum Hughes will join Tom Willander and Aidan Celebrini at Boston University this year. Hughes’ game is marked by burning speed and a high motor. Despite being a New Jersey native, Hughes spent his draft-eligible season in the BCHL playing for the West Kelowna Warriors, where he put up 42 points in 54 games.
Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Left | Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 170 lbs
Recently passed on at the 2024 entry draft, Calum Hughes will join Tom Willander and Aidan Celebrini at Boston University this year. Hughes’ game is marked by burning speed and a high motor. Despite being a New Jersey native, Hughes spent his draft-eligible season in the BCHL playing for the West Kelowna Warriors, where he put up 42 points in 54 games.
Ethan Gardula
Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Left | Height: 5’11″ | Weight: 174 lbs
Ethan Gardula will make his transition to the NCAA level next year, following a 29-point season in 58 games with the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL. Slightly undersized, he is a workhorse player who will be looking to make an impact.
Position: Left Wing | Shoots: Left | Height: 5’11″ | Weight: 174 lbs
Ethan Gardula will make his transition to the NCAA level next year, following a 29-point season in 58 games with the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL. Slightly undersized, he is a workhorse player who will be looking to make an impact.
Kaden Shahan
Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Right | Height: 5’11″ | Weight: 170 lbs
Kaden Shahan is described as a pacey winger who never stops moving his feet. Playing alongside fellow camp invitee Ethan Gardula, he led his Sioux City Musketeers in points (57), while his 39 goals finished third league-wide. He looks like a fun player to keep tabs on throughout the week.
Position: Right Wing | Shoots: Right | Height: 5’11″ | Weight: 170 lbs
Kaden Shahan is described as a pacey winger who never stops moving his feet. Playing alongside fellow camp invitee Ethan Gardula, he led his Sioux City Musketeers in points (57), while his 39 goals finished third league-wide. He looks like a fun player to keep tabs on throughout the week.
Jonathan Lemieux
Position: Goalie | Catches: Left | Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 194 lbs
Jonathan Lemieux enjoyed a solid rookie season in Kalamazoo (ECHL), posting a .911 save percentage and a 2.84 GAA in 39 games with the Wings. His strong play recently earned him a one-year extension and, depending on what happens this off-season, he could get a look in Abbotsford next season.
Position: Goalie | Catches: Left | Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 194 lbs
Jonathan Lemieux enjoyed a solid rookie season in Kalamazoo (ECHL), posting a .911 save percentage and a 2.84 GAA in 39 games with the Wings. His strong play recently earned him a one-year extension and, depending on what happens this off-season, he could get a look in Abbotsford next season.
Brett Mirwald
Position: Goalie | Catches: Left | Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 194 lbs
Vancouver faithful should know the name Brett Mirwald well, as he took home “WHL Top Goaltender” honors with the Vancouver Giants in 2023-24. Mirwald put together a season to remember in 2023-24. He ranked first in the WHL in saves (1,723), first in minutes played (3,190), tied for third in wins (29), and tied for third in save percentage (.913). Mirwald was also named WHL Goaltender of the Week a league-high five times this season.
Position: Goalie | Catches: Left | Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 194 lbs
Vancouver faithful should know the name Brett Mirwald well, as he took home “WHL Top Goaltender” honors with the Vancouver Giants in 2023-24. Mirwald put together a season to remember in 2023-24. He ranked first in the WHL in saves (1,723), first in minutes played (3,190), tied for third in wins (29), and tied for third in save percentage (.913). Mirwald was also named WHL Goaltender of the Week a league-high five times this season.
We will have coverage all week here at CanucksArmy!
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