Windsor Spitfire goalie Michael DiPietro has been added to the Team Canada roster for the 2018 IIHF World Championships which are set to begin Friday in Denmark.
The Amherstburg native is expected to serve as the third goalie on a squad made up of NHL'ers.
The team is currently prepping for the tournament in Latvia with a camp of 22 players.
DiPietro says it has been quite the experience so far.
"At the beginning you're definitely a little star struck for sure, but as the days go on you start to really get to know the guys. They're really welcoming to me and I'm really grateful for that. It's a lot of fun over here. You're obviously learning a lot from guys, how to prepare, how to practice."
DiPietro, who was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks this year, says it's great exposure as he works toward a career in the NHL.
"It's a good way to size up, to see how far you've got to go. You mature. You start honing your skill set better. You slowly creep toward your goal of playing in the NHL and to stay there for a very long time. That's definitely my focus and being around these guys definitely helps."
Windsor Spitfire goalie Michael DiPietro has been added to the Team Canada roster for the 2018 IIHF World Championships (Photo courtesy of WindsorSpitfires.com)
He says playing for Canada is going to be a big help as he heads into what could be his final season with the Spits.
"I'm learning a lot here that I can really translate into next season in Windsor. This experience is definitely going to help propel me forward in getting better this summer. It's a good way to kick it off and really just show everyone that you can play and deserve to be up at the next level."
Former Spitfires head coach and current Florida Panthers head coach, Bob Boughner, will be an assistant coach on the team.
Belle River's Aaron Ekblad, also of the Florida Panthers, will be on the blue line.
Canada's first game is Friday, May 4 against the United States in Herning, Denmark.