Calum Ritchie wasn’t selected to represent Team Canada at the World Junior Championships last winter. In his last year of eligibility, he doesn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to represent his country again this December. The first big step to getting there took occurred on Tuesday.

Hockey Canada named their roster for the 2024-25 National Junior Team Summer Showcase today, and it’s typically made up of the players they have on their radar to make the World Junior squad in the winter. Calum Ritchie, as expected, made the cut, as he was one of 24 forwards named to the roster.

Here is the current schedule for the showcase from Hockey Canada‘s site…

July 30 – Canada Red vs. Canada White

July 31 – Canada vs. Sweden

Aug. 2 – Canada vs. Finland

Aug. 3 – Canada vs. USA

A big reason why Ritchie didn’t make the team last winter is because he needed off-season shoulder surgery, which caused him to miss the start of the season. He returned to the lineup in mid-November and led Oshawa to the OHL Final, but didn’t get the call from Team Canada. Back in February, he spoke exclusively to CHN about using that as motivation moving forward.

“I really would have loved to play for Canada, but I have to do what I can control and better myself, so it’s not really a decision next time,” he said. “I think I use it as motivation and try to push myself to be better.”

Of course, there’s always a chance Ritchie is in the NHL next season. Even if that’s the case, the Avalanche could send him to the World Juniors if they feel it’s good for his development. Boston did the same thing last winter with Matt Poitras, even though he was playing regular minutes for them in the NHL.

This year’s World Junior Championship is set to take place in Canada from Dec. 26-Jan. 5.