Garin Bjorklund and his family celebrate after he was selected in the sixth round by the Washington Capitals in the 2020 NHL Draft. Photo Credit: (Garin Bjorklund/@garinbjorklund_)

By Shane Clausing

Garin Bjorklund

Grande Prairie’s Garin Bjorklund hoping to impress Hockey Canada brass at junior development camp

Jul 30, 2021 | 11:18 AM

Grande Prairie’s Garin Bjorklund is taking part in Hockey Canada’s National Junior Team summer development camp this week.

The camp is taking place at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on the Tsuut’ina Nation near Calgary from July 28-August 4.

Hockey Canada invited 51 of the best 20 and under hockey players in Canada to compete in the camp. The camp is used as an opportunity for players to impress the Hockey Canada brass before the main world junior camp is held in the winter.

Bjorklund is a sixth-round pick of the Washington Capitals and is currently the starting goaltender for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League.

Bjorklund tells EverythingGP he was pretty excited to get the invite to the camp.

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“Once I got the phone call, I was obviously really excited. Growing up at Christmas time, you always dream of playing at the world juniors and having that maple leaf on your chest,” said Bjorklund.

“I remember telling my parents how I want to play on that team and win a gold medal for Canada. Just to be able to get selected for the summer camp, I’m super excited, and I’m honoured to show my skills against the best of the best players in Canada.”

Last season with Medicine Hat, Bjorklund finished with a 10-7-1 record and a .921 save percentage. He also appeared in four games for the Grande Prairie Storm of the AJHL, where he held a 2-1-1 record and a .936 save percentage.

The 19-year-old goalie is hoping he can impress the scouts and brass of Hockey Canada at this camp.

“Hopefully, I can go there and turn some heads, and make the decision tough for Team Canada. Hopefully one day I’ll be on that team come Christmas.”

Interestingly, Bjorklund will also be on the same ice with a former Grande Prairie resident and former minor hockey teammate of his.

Kaiden Ghule, who spent some time playing minor hockey in Grande Prairie was invited to the camp as a returning player.

Bjorklund added it’s pretty unique to see that happen.

“It’s pretty sweet, me and Ghule go way back. It’s pretty surreal and now getting the chance to play at the world juniors (with him), it’s pretty exciting,” explained Bjorklund.

During the offseason, Bjorklund has been training in Calgary. He says his goals this summer are to put on some weight, as well as stay fresh and get ready for next season.

After the Hockey Canada camp, Bjorklund tells EverythingGP he’ll be preparing for Washington Capitals camp, something he hasn’t yet had the chance to experience because of COVID-19.

“I’ll end up going to Washington in the start of September before I head back to Medicine Hat. I’m super excited to get the chance to go down to Washington, meet everybody, showcase myself and go to my first NHL camp.”