Kelowna Rockets defenceman Damon Severson is poised to suit up for Team WHL against Team Russia in the CHL Subway Super Series at the end of November.
"It's a great opportunity for me - I was really excited when I found out I was named to the team," said Severson, who played for the SMAAAHL's Yorkton Harvest in 2008-09. "It's an honour to get to represent my league in an event like this. Not many players get an opportunity like this."
Severson was ultimately a lock to crack Team WHL. In his fourth season in Kelowna, the Melville, SK., native has thrived at both ends of the ice for the Rockets. He has used his slick skating ability to transition the puck out of his own zone smoothly and join offensive rushes.
The 6-foot-2, 198-pound Severson hopes to use the Super Series opportunity to get his name in the mix of discussions to represent Canada at the 2014 world junior championship in Malmo, Sweden.
"I want to show Hockey Canada that I'm ready to make the world junior team," said the New Jersey Devils second-round pick. "They will be watching and I really want an invite to their camp."
Severson will see a familiar face alongside him while playing for Team WHL. His teammate, Washington Capitals second-round pick Madison Bowey, is also playing in the Super Series.
"He deserved to make the team, too," said Severson. "He's a great player that really makes a difference out there."
Severson and Bowey aren't the only high-end players suiting up for the Rockets. The WHL franchise, which holds a 15-2-0-2 record, is stacked from top to bottom this year. As a 19-year-old poised to head to the pros next year, the timing couldn't be better for Severson to be a part of a team capable of taking a run at the MasterCard Memorial Cup.
"It's great to play for a team like this," said Severson. "We have a lot of talent and hard workers in the room. It's definitely a special group of guys."
Not to mention, Severson is able to enjoy invites to events like the Super Series even more knowing his team can hold their own without him.
"It's good to know they will be alright when we're gone," said Severson. "Guys step up and we have a lot of depth. It makes it easier to leave for a couple of games when you know your team will be able to still win games."
Before the start of the season, Severson took part in his second training camp with the Devils. But this time, he suited up in some pre-season games.
"It was a great experience to see where I stand against NHL players," said Severson. "I wanted to make the team, but that didn't work out. (New Jersey GM) Lou Lamoriello told me it would be best for me to come back to junior this year. That's how they do things in that organization. You play out your junior and then work your way up through the minors."
Severson will suit up in both of Team WHL's game on Nov. 27 and 28 in Red Deer and Lethbridge respectively.
