Huberdeau, Hay Talk Injuries

Jonathan Huberdeau skated yesterday in Calgary as he lined up with his Team Canada teammates for photos. It was a good sign for Huberdeau who arrived in Alberta with walking cast still on his foot.

Despite not skating in Canada’s selection camp, the Sea Dogs sniper was named to the team for the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship. As he told the QMI Agency, he was just as nervous as anyone heading into Wednesday morning's announcement.

“For sure. I was the same as everybody else. I didn’t know how they were going to to handle it,” said Huberdeau. “I love the confidence they’re showing in me by making this decision. I hope to be ready for those last two pre-tournament games.”

Canada begins the pre-tournament on December 19 against Finland. Their final two games are December 22 against Switzerland and December 23 against Sweden, respectively.

Team Canada head coach talked about Huberdeau’s and Quinton Howden’s injuries on Wednesday.

"They're day-to-day and it's kind of nice to see Jonathan out here just twirling around," Hay said. "He's really excited about the opportunity to skate. 

"He'll probably get a little more each day until he's cleared to go and Howden is feeling really good and he's just waiting for again, clearance. I think he'll skate a little bit (on Thursday) and he'll gradually get more time. We have to go day-to-day and evaluate everybody and see how things go." [Edmonton Journal]

Huberdeau added to the Edmonton Journal that, “"I had a good start at the start of the season and I think that they have confidence in me. I want to come back as soon as possible to get a good spot on the team."

The reigning Memorial Cup MVP was on fire before getting hurt, recording 10 goals and 18 assists in just 13 games.

Meanwhile, Huberdeau’s Saint John linemate, Zack Phillips, was among the first round of cuts on Tuesday morning. He spoke to the Daily Gleaner about his experience. 

Photo Credit: Calgary Sun