Category: Local Sports
Published: Monday, 04 July 2016 05:50
Written by Gino De Paoli
Another Okotoks Oiler alumni is off to an NHL development camp this week.
Former defenceman and current Denver Pioneer Tariq Hammond will skate with some of the top prospects with the Montreal Canadiens from July 3-7.
Hammond says he got the invite to Habs camp shortly after Denver's run in the Frozen Four Tournament.
“Growing up in Canada you obviously pay attention to a lot of the Canadian teams and how they're doing and they have a very stellar program so I'm just excited to get there and see what they have to offer, check out the venue and get to meet all the people in the organization so I'm getting my foot in the door which I'm excited about.”
Hammond heading into his Junior year with the Pioneers and says he hopes he can stay on Montreal's radar as he continues to grow his game.
“That what I dream of right? Getting that NHL contract so I've been working hard to get myself prepared for this,” he says. I know it's just a development camp but I am treating it like a try-out so I'm going to be guns a blazing when I get there and be the best player I can be.”
He says if he wants to make his mark with an NHL team he has to be able to skate with the best.