Nick Patterson
I was wondering whether Tips goaltender Austin Lotz had caught any eyes with his play during the second half of the season and the playoffs, and the answer to that question is, “Yes.”
Lotz was summoned by Hockey Canada as he’s been added to Canada’s training camp roster for the upcoming U-18 World Championships. The 17-year-old from St. Adolphe, Manitoba, will be one of three goaltenders who travel with the team to Sochi, Russia, for pre-tournament preparations. If he makes the final roster, he’ll be part of the team that participates in the tournament, which takes place April 18-28. He’ll also be the second Everett player at the tournament as defenseman Mirco Mueller is set to suit up for Switzerland.
Lotz has previous international experience, playing for Team West at the U-17 World Hockey Challenge during the holidays. However, he has yet to represent Canada as a whole, so this is a great opportunity for him.
This could be the beginning of a busy offseason for Lotz. He’s also a candidate to be selected in the upcoming NHL draft. His selection to Canada’s U-18 camp reinforces the notion he’ll be picked, and it could help him get an invite to the draft combine.
