Some early morning news, friends! Calgary Flames prospect Rory Kerins, a sixth round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, has been invited to Hockey Canada’s summer World Junior camp at the end of July.

Kerins, 19, had a weird 2020-21 season. He was drafted by the Flames but never played a game in the Ontario Hockey League for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, his club team. Instead, he headed to Calgary where he trained and practiced with the American Hockey League’s Stockton Heat – he was one of the youngest players in the AHL in 2020-21. He suited up for four AHL games, but gained a lot of familiarity with the Flames’ systems, coaches and future teammates. In his draft year in the OHL, Kerins had 30 goals and 59 points in 64 games. He’s not a huge kid, listed at 5’10” and 174 pounds, but he can put the puck in the net.

Not invited to camp, in a bit of a surprise, was defenseman (and third round pick) Jeremie Poirier. Poirier had a tremendous offensive season with Saint John in 2020-21, with 37 points in 33 games. (That followed a great draft season where he had 53 points in 64 games.) Teammate Ryan Francis also was superb, but as a 2001 birthday he’s not eligible for this year’s World Juniors so he wouldn’t be able to come to the camp.

Hockey Canada’s camp takes place July 28-Aug. 4 at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on the Tsuut’ina Nation, just southwest of Calgary. (It’s the same complex that hosted the Calgary Hitmen during their 2020-21 season.)