Swift Current’s Griffin Darby will soon have his first experience with Canada’s Program of Excellence.
Darby was one of 23 WHL players and prospects invited to Canada’s National Under-17 Development Camp.
A total of 80 athletes will be at the camp at Joshua’s Creek Arenas in Oakville, Ont. from July 18-24. They will be competing for roster spots at the 2024 U17 World Challenge on November 1-9 in Sarnia, Ont.
The 6’0’’ defenseman registered four goals and 21 assists in 39 games with the Swift Current Home Hardware U18 AAA Legionnaires last season. He added one goal and four assists in seven playoff outings.
Darby was the 17th overall pick in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft by the Portland Winterhawks.
Swift Current Broncos defenseman Peyton Kettles will also be a part of the Program of Excellence this summer.
He is one of 13 WHL players set to challenge for roster spots at the U18 Team Selection Camp. They are vying for a spot on Team Canada for the 2024 Ivan Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton on August 5-10.
The 6’3.5’’ blueliner finished with two goals, 11 assists, and a plus-19 rating in 61 games as a WHL rookie. The Winnipeg product added two points in eight playoff outings.
Kettles was the sixth overall pick in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft. He previously represented Canada at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge on Prince Edward Island.
The U18 selection camp is set for July 27-30 in Calgary.
