Massimo Rizzo is heading to Bonnyville, Alberta, as one of the chosen few.
The Burnaby native was named Wednesday as part of Canada West, which will compete next week at the 2018 World Junior A Hockey Challenge.
The West squad will be looking to defend last year’s title in a pool that includes teams from Canada East, the U.S., Czech Republic and Russia.
The tournament kicks off Dec. 9 with Canada East playing Russia, and Canada West taking on the U.S.
A 17-year-old centre, Rizzo was among the group of 40 invited to the tryout camp in Calgary, which took place last weekend.
Due to a back injury, the Burnaby Winter Club product has played in just 15 games this season with the Penticton Vees of the B.C. Hockey League. He’s made up for lost time by tallying three times and setting up 13 others.
The BCHL has 14 players on the roster, including the Victoria Grizzlies Alex Newhook, whom NHL Central Scouting has ranked in the top-10 for the 2018 NHL draft.
The tourney kicks off Dec. 9, and wraps up Dec. 16.
