Nolan DeJong and Dante Hahn were on their way to practice Monday afternoon when DeJong's phone rang.
"I was driving, so I couldn't answer it. Then shortly after that Dante's phone rang," said DeJong, a second-year defenceman with the Victoria Grizzlies.
On the other end of the line, in both instances, was Ryan Smith, an assistant coach with Team Canada West, inviting both DeJong and Hahn - a rookie Grizzlies' forward - to selection camp in hopes of earning a spot on the World Junior A Hockey Challenge roster.
The two will set out to Calgary on Sunday to attempt to earn their way to the championship, slated for Yarmouth, N.S., from Nov. 5-11.
"It's exciting," said DeJong, who along with Hahn is set to be on the road this weekend with the Grizzlies, playing in Trail and Penticton on Friday and Saturday, respectively, but will now miss Sunday's scheduled game in Merritt to travel to Kelowna and meet up with several other camp invites, who then fly to Calgary.
The Calgary camp is set for four days and if the two make the team - like Wes Myron did last year with the Grizzlies - they will be lost till Nov. 12.
"Yeah, all we're allowed is one suitcase, too," DeJong said with a chuckle. "I'm thrilled. Not necessarily surprised, because this was a goal of mine. It's a very prestigious tournament so it's something I wanted very badly. And the team has been having a good year, which has also helped."
In both their cases as Hahn, a flashy forward, has also attracted some attention.
"It's pretty cool to be a part of something like this," said Hahn, who admits it will be a hectic weekend. "Especially with such short notice. We just got the call [Monday] and we have to be in Calgary on Sunday. If we make it, it will be a few more weeks on the road.
"I'm definitely excited and a little bit nervous at the same time. I'm just going to try and make the best of it," said Hahn, who is also close friends with DeJong. "It's exciting being able to go with someone that I'm pretty close with."
The two will be joined by Victoria natives Wade Murphy and Chad Katunar from the Penticton Vees.
Evan Tironese of Qualicum Beach (Alberni Valley Bulldogs) is also invited and Evan Richardson of Nanaimo will be back for a second straight attempt to make the team as the Powell River Kings' forward was on the successful Canada West side last season, along with Myron.
Myron's absence from the Grizzlies' lineup in 2011 started a serious tailspin for the local club.
"It was good for Wes, but sucked for us," recalled DeJong of last year's effect on the Grizzlies. "He was away for an extended time, visiting [NCAA] schools and then with the tournament. In the end it was unbelievable for him and gave stock to our team, too."
Which it does again. "Certainly we lose a little bit, but other guys will step up," said Grizzlies associate coach and assistant general manager Craig Didmon. "I don't expect any kind of letdown.
"It's good for both of them. Those are two guys who have worked hard."
IN THE DEN: DeJong de-committed from Cornell University because of complications with the financial aid package the school was offering. The two sides spent six weeks trying to iron it all out, but in the end the 17-year-old opted out of Cornell and on Monday committed to the University of Michigan, which has a spot on defence for him next season. "They have a great business school and great tradition with the hockey program," said DeJong.
