A pair of hockey players from Lunenburg County have been invited to National Hockey League rookie camps.
Bridgewater’s Keith Getson and Lunenburg’s Walter Flower represented the Halifax Mooseheads this past season, playing for both the QMJHL championship and Memorial Cup.
Getson will suit up with the New York Rangers and Flower will dress for the St. Louis Blues.
The 21 year-old Getson says he’s excited for the opportunity.
“It’s something you work towards. You work towards getting drafted and stuff like that and as a team goal you work towards winning championships. But, from an individual standpoint this is what I wanted and I have a shot now.”
He says he’s not changing the way he prepares.
“All it is, is a little bit of extra motivation. I’m doing the same thing I’ve been doing the past few summers working out with Brogan Bailey and Joel Holland at 902 Athletics. I’m getting in good shape to be ready.”
Meanwhile, this isn’t the first rookie camp for Walter Flower.
He spent time last fall at Tampa Bay’s camp.
The 20 year-old looks forward to getting another chance to impress.
“I went into Tampa not really knowing what to expect and I was really nervous and kind of starstruck seeing all the NHL guys and that didn’t really help me out at all. When I go to St. Louis this year I’m just going to play my game and that will be the best thing for me.”
He says he’s excited to get another shot with St. Louis.
“Every hockey player wants to go to the NHL. This is one step closer and I’m honoured and really looking forward to it.”
NHL rookie camps are expected to open in late August or early September.