As it turns out, that’s exactly the case, as the Kamloops Blazers prospect was one of nine Western Hockey League goaltenders chosen for the Hockey Canada Program of Excellence goaltending camp running virtually from June 9-12.
The camp brings together the top goaltending talent and elite-level instructors from across the country and serves as the initial evaluation stage for summer development and selection camps for Canada’s national teams.
While the event traditionally assembles the crew of players – 23 in total from the entire Canadian Hockey League this year – in a central location, COVID-19 restrictions have made that all but impossible and forced everything online this year.
As a result, the 2020 camp will focus on evaluation and development through online education,
“The Program of Excellence goaltending camp is a great opportunity to bring together the top young goaltenders in the country and assist with the development process for these athletes,” said Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of national teams for Hockey Canada, in a press release. “Despite the unique nature of this year’s camp and the switch to an online delivery for our programs, we believe all 23 goalies will benefit from world-class instruction as we continue to prepare for a new season.”
Online sessions will include goaltender development, mental and physical performance, planning for short-term competition, environments for success, embracing the role of a back-up goaltender and more.
Ernst, 16, completed his first season of U18 hockey this past winter and was full marks for his effort, posting a 2.35 goals against average and .920 save percentage in 17 games to go along with a 12-4-0 record and three shutouts.
He also saw action at the Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne, Switzerland and played well in his single appearance, coming off the bench in the first period and only allowing a pair of goals in a 6-2 loss to Russia. Canada would go on to win the bronze medal at the event.
Ernst – who was selected by the Blazers in the second round, 28th overall in the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft – isn’t the only Kamloops player invited, as he’ll be joined by starter Dylan Garand, one of three U20 player selected. Edmonton’s Sebastian Cossa and Prince George’s Taylor Gauthier are the others, while the Cougars’ Tyler Brennan and Seattle’s Thomas Milic were chosen from the WHL in the U18 age group.
Joining Ernst as U17 players are Calgary’s Ethan Beunaventura, Swift Current’s Reid Dyck and Regina’s Matthew Kieper.
