Dinos send three to NHL camps

CALGARY – A pair of Canada West All-Stars and University of Calgary Dinos will be heading to the Sunshine State this month, while one of the team's newest recruits is headed to Penticton, as they try to showcase themselves to National Hockey League teams.

After attending their development camp this past summer, fifth-year rearguard Kodie Curran has been invited to the Tampa Bay Lightning's rookie camp, while netminder Jacob DeSerres is off to the Florida Panthers' rookie camp. Klarc Wilson will attend the Vancouver Canucks' camp and rookie tournament before choosing between university and professional hockey.

A talented skater and offensive-minded defenceman, Curran has improved each year during his time at the University of Calgary. The Calgary native's game took another huge step forward during the 2013-14 season when he was named a conference first-team all-star and posted career-highs in goals, assists, points and plus-minus. Curran finished last season with four goals, 21 assists for 25 points, while posting a +15 rating in 23 contests. The former Calgary Canuck and Spruce Grove Saint was pivotal during the Dinos' run to the Canada West Final in 2014, especially in the opening round when he shut down the Manitoba Bisons' top forwards.

"Kodie has really developed his game over the four years he has been here," said Dinos head coach Mark Howell. "He is eager to become a pro hockey player and has worked real hard this summer. He will be a very big part of our team this year."

Heading into his fourth season between the pipes with Calgary, DeSerres is preparing to attend camp after previously appearances with the Philadelphia Flyers and Phoenix Coyotes. A former third round draft pick by the Flyers in 2008 and Memorial Cup Champion with the Saint John Sea Dogs, DeSerres had his best season as a Dino last season while splitting time with Kris Lazaruk. The local product played in 17 games, winning 13, while holding a 2.15 goals-against average and a 0.914 save percentage with three shutouts. DeSerres was named the WHL Graduate of the Month in November after he won five games while posting a remarkable 0.67 GAA.

DeSerres wrapped up the year by winning both the Canada West and CIS Goaltender of the Year awards. He was also named to the CIS and Canada West First All-Star teams and was nominated for the Male Athlete of the Year award at the 47th annual Night of the Dino.

"Jacob is going down there for the experience and to showcase himself for when he is done school," explained Howell. "He has been to a lot of pro camps but is still excited to show what he can do. He is really deserving of this after the year he had."

Both the Lightning and Panthers will compete in a four-team prospect tournament in Nashville, Tennessee against each other as well as the Predators and Boston Bruins, starting on Sept 13. Curran and DeSerres' teams are scheduled to faceoff on Sept. 16.

A recently-named recruit, Wilson will compete in the Canucks' Young Stars Classic versus the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets, beginning on Sept. 12 in Penticton B.C.

The Edmonton Native had a breakout offensive season with the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League in 2013-14. In 72 games, Wilson netted 27 goals and 33 assists for 60 points. Wilson has already signed a contract with the ECHL's Indianapolis Fuel and will have some time to decide whether to begin his university career or give professional hockey a try.

The Dinos begin their non-conference schedule on Saturday, Sept. 6, when they host the Mount Royal Cougars at the Father David Bauer Arena. Game time is 7:00 PM. The team will then head to Regina for a tournament against a trio of Canada West foes; the Regina Cougars, UBC Thunderbirds and Saskatchewan Huskies.

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Players Mentioned

#4 Kodie Curran: D; 6' 2"; 4th

#37 Jacob DeSerres: G; 6' 2"; 3rd

#1 Kris Lazaruk: G; 6' 1"; 3rd

Players Mentioned

#4 Kodie Curran
: 6' 2"; 4th
: D

#37 Jacob DeSerres
: 6' 2"; 3rd
: G

#1 Kris Lazaruk
: 6' 1"; 3rd
: G

Players Mentioned

#4 Kodie Curran

#37 Jacob DeSerres

#1 Kris Lazaruk

Players Mentioned

#4 Kodie Curran

#37 Jacob DeSerres

#1 Kris Lazaruk