Safin, Salda receive Czech invites

At least two Saint John Sea Dogs will be attending a world junior training camp.

Sea Dogs forward Ostap Safin and defenceman Radim Salda were both invited to the Czech Republic's camp, the team announced on Monday.

👥 | Filip Pešán nominoval na přípravný kemp před MS juniorů 2️⃣7️⃣ hráčů! Český tým se bude připravovat na vrchol sezony v 🇺🇸 Niagara Falls💪🏻 #U20CZE pic.twitter.com/pPwo0EHQ0w

— Hokejový nároďák (@narodnitym) December 4, 2017

It's not a huge surprise to see both invited. Safin is a lock to make the team while Salda's numbers speak for themselves. Still, Salda was a bit of a question mark given he was basically an unknown heading into this season.

Safin, an Edmonton Oilers prospect, leads the Sea Dogs in scoring and his third in QMJHL rookie scoring with 11 goals and 29 points in 30 games. This is his first season in the league.

Salda, who was passed over in the 2017 NHL Draft, is 10th in QMJHL defencemen scoring with six goals and 16 assists in 30 games. He has been one of the biggest pleasant surprises in the league this season.

At this point, it's a long shot any other Sea Dogs will receive invites to a world junior camp. Joe Veleno is the only Dog who has a shot. Canada will name its camp roster this week.

The world juniors begin on Boxing Day in Buffalo. The Czechs play in the tournament's opening game against Russia.