Ceci, Puempel Both Left Off Team Canada Selection Camp List

In an unexpected turn of events, both Ottawa Senators prospects Cody Ceci and Matt Puempel were left off the invite list when Canada’s 37 player selection camp roster was released today.

Cody Ceci will be disappointed to be left off the WJC roster, let alone not being invited to camp. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It was a shock to me to see both left off.  Ceci is in the middle of a very solid year with not much talent around him on the blue line, and sits 2nd in OHL scoring among defensemen.  He was among the last cuts last year and I can’t think many people anticipated him being on the outside looking in.  Meanwhile Puempel was expected to get an invite based on the fact that he plays for head coach Steve Spott in Kitchener.

So the Senators will not have representation on Team Canada, which for Canadian Hockey Fans might be a good thing.  But it sucks for Senators fans hoping to see their prospects in action.

And with Mika Zibanejad not likely to be released, Stefan Noeson could be the only Ottawa prospect in Ufa, Russia this year.