Portage Terrier forwards Chase Brakel and James McIsaac will be heading west next week to try and represent their country. They were invited to Team Canada West's selection camp for the World Junior A Challenge. The camp will showcase 60 young hopefulls Dec. 2-5 in Calgary Alberta. 

"I was there last year so I know what it's all about" says Brakel. "I know what to be prepared for so I am really looking forward to it."

He says he won't change who he is to make the team. "I am going to focus on what I can bring to the table because I don't want to try and be a player I am not to make the team. Hopefully they will take me this year."

Both Winnipeg born players have had excellent starts to the season. Brakel (98, 5'11, 188lbs) is second in team scoring with 28 points (10G 18A) in 23 games. McIsaac (99, 5'11", 182lbs) leads the team in goals with 12.

Also from the MJHL defencemen Justin Lee (Virden) and Darcy Gula (Steinbach), and forwards Riese Gaber (Dauphin), Will Koop (Steinbach), and Matt Osadick (Swan Valley) have been invited to the camp.

Team Canada West players were selected from the CJHL’s five western Junior A leagues: the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), and Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL).

The World Junior A Challenge will be held Dec. 10-16 in Truro, NS.

Terrier forward James McIsaac