McLaren Hoping to Make Stacked American Squad for WJC

[tcookie 897]

As the S75 VHL World Juniors approaches, Philadelphia Reapers left winger Addison McLaren is excited to get the chance he just missed out on last season to represent the USA on the international stage.

 

"It was a little disappointing last year to miss out but based on the timing of the tournament I just hadn't been able to get my name out there enough. I knew I'd get the chance to be here at selection camp this season so my goal now is just to put in a good showing here, see what happens and hopefully make the team," says McLaren.

 

He's one of many highly-touted prospects at the USA selection camp. There are top picks from last season like Jolly Greene Giant, McLaren, Muffbeav, and Joe Kelly; there are players that fell a bit in the stacked S75 class like Thadius Sales, Vick Fairchild, Justin Lose, Its Gucci, John Callahan, Bob Tristan, Jakob Sosa, and many more; there are highly-touted S76 prospects like projected top pick Red Lite and other possible first rounders in Jivere Zolnek, Caitlyn Catowize, and Hex Rose, and there are a lot of still-eligible players from the S73 and S74 drafts who could contend for roster spots too.

 

Coming off a 93-point VHLM season (also adding 265 hits), McLaren has the skillset to make himself attractive to the squad: he's physical, has one of the best shots in the VHLM, and is also the best defensive forward in the minors. But with such a strong group of eligible players, McLaren isn't taking anything for granted.

 

"It's not going to be an easy squad to crack, that's for sure," says McLaren. "It bodes well for the guys who do make the team - it's got a real chance to do some damage. But it sure makes selection camp stressful. I'm just going to go out there, play my game and see what happens."