Hockey Canada has named 27 players to its World Junior training camp roster, and three of them bring clear ties to Fort Saskatchewan, Sherwood Park and Edmonton.

Keaton Verhoeff of Fort Saskatchewan is one of nine defencemen invited. Now playing at the University of North Dakota, the 17-year-old has climbed quickly thanks to his reach, poise and ability to win battles along the boards. His selection gives Fort Saskatchewan a direct link to this year’s team.

Sherwood Park forward Braeden Cootes, now with the Seattle Thunderbirds, also made the list. Cootes plays a straight-ahead game built on speed and pressure. He was a key piece in Seattle’s forward group this fall, and the camp invite puts him firmly in the mix for a roster spot.

Edmonton’s connection comes through Ethan Mackenzie, a

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