Regina native J. C. Lipon couldn't have predicted cracking Team Canada's U20 world junior squad a year ago.
"I definitely didn't expect to have such a good year and I especially couldn't have predicted getting a camp invite from Team Canada," says Lipon, who plays for the Kamloops Blazers in the Western Hockey League.
But after being told by Canada's head coach Steve Spott that he is one of their 23 players headed to Russia, Lipon's wildest dream of representing his country in the biggest junior hockey tournament in the world became a reality.
"I'm really excited," says Lipon. "It is such a great feeling."
Lipon is the only Saskatchewan native that made the team. Weyburn native Derrick Pouliot, who plays for the WHL's Portland Winterhawks, was cut at the tryout and White City native Ryan Murray, who plays for the Everett Silvertips and is the brother of Yorkton Terriers' Nathan Murray, wasn't able to return for a second tournament because of a year-ending shoulder injury.
"Everyone in Saskatchewan watches the tournament, so it is a big deal back home," says Lipon. "I know my parents and friends will be cheering for me."
Lipon, 19, went to Canada's tryout camp as an underdog. He was only one of five undrafted players of the 33 invited.
"There were so many good players there," says Lipon. "I knew it would be very tough to make the team."
It shouldn't come to much of a surprise to see Lipon prove his critics wrong. The 6-foot, 181-pound winger has been showing up his naysayers as if it is business as usual over the course of his hockey career.
It all started after Lipon was passed over in the 2008 WHL bantam draft. The chatter among scouts was that they didn't take a chance on him because of his smaller stature.
He was later listed by Kamloops, though, going on to make their team in 2009 as a 16-year-old.
"It is always nice to do something that some people say you can't do," says Lipon. "I've just continued to work on my strength and other parts in my game and it has really been paying off."
When it came time for his National Hockey League entry draft year in 2011, it was the same story. All 30 NHL teams passed him over.
But Lipon didn't expect to don an NHL jersey. He knew his three-goal, 21-point sophomore season wasn't up to par with NHL standards.
"It obviously wasn't fun not being drafted, but I didn't expect to be," says Lipon.
The following year Lipon was snubbed again. He did, however, received an NHL invite from the Colorado Avalanche. But the NHL lockout stole the opportunity for him to impress the Avalanche in camp.
"It was disappointing not to be able to go my tryout because of the lockout," says Lipon.
"I hope I can get more opportunities in the future," Lipon added.
The third time could be the charm for Lipon. He has blossomed into a star with the Blazers this year, notching 22 goals and 57 points in 34 games.
He credits his success to the chemistry he has generated with his line-mates, Montreal Canadiens secondround pick Tim Bozon and Avalanche prospect Colin Smith.
"I've really been clicking with Bozon and Smith," says Lipon. "We feed off each other and really make things easier on each other."
If Lipon continues his strong play in Kamloops and has a strong showing with Team Canada, precedents suggest he will be drafted into the NHL and/or sign an entry-level deal.
Last year Tanner Pearson was drafted 30th overall by the Los Angeles Kings as a 19-year-old after a strong
performance with Team Canada and a 91-point season with the Barrie Colts in the Ontario Hockey League.
Knowing it has been done before comforts Lipon.
"It is nice to know someone before you was in a similar situation," says Lipon. "Pearson earned everything he got and I hope I can do the same."
Lipon has already received some draft attention. He was ranked 13th among WHL skaters by NHL's Central
Scouting Service in their preliminary rankings.
"It was nice to get noticed," says Lipon.
Lipon's first action for Team Canada will be on December 26 against Germany.
