Volleyball Canada has announced that Heat freshman Chris Howe is among the 14 players selected to participate at the 11-country 2010 NORCECA Junior Men’s Continental Championship set for August 16-21 at the national team training in Gatineau, Que. The roster was finalized after the Challenge Cup tournament in Toronto. The athletes will train at the Team Canada Training Center in Gatineau from July 26th through August 14th.
The purpose of the Junior National Team Program is to identify, select and train a group of young athletes who have future Senior National Team potential and offer them the opportunity to train and represent Canada in international competition at an earlier age. The intent of the program is to train for and compete in the 2010 Norceca Junior and in the 2011 World Championship.
“Being chosen to play on the junior national team came as a bit of a shock,” said middle blocker Chris Howe, “I don't feel like I deserve to represent Canada yet, but I hope to before the end of the program. I'm also very excited to be here and learn from the best. It's a true honour to be a part of this team, and I'm humbled by the player that coaches believe I can become.”
“Chris had a very good NTTC tournament. He was very stable for his team. We look for Chris to do the same as we prepare for the Junior NORCECA tournament and try to qualify for the Junior World Championships in 2011,” junior national team head coach Greg Barthel (Regina, SK) said.
“The coaches have selected some great competitors for the junior national team.” Added Howe and that “this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I want to make the most of every practice. I think this is the perfect opportunity to refine my skills and it's opened my eyes up to the next level of volleyball, and I'm so excited to see where the next step will take me. I can't wait to see how I can help our team find success in the upcoming season” Chris will be able to use his experience in international competition to help the Heat step up to Canada West competition in September of 2011.
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