A handful of Kootenay Ice head to NHL development camps this week, looking to pave a path for their pro hockey futures.
Having been drafted, Tim Bozon, Jaedon Descheneau and Rinat Valiev all head to development camps with their respective NHL squads, while Luke Philp will attend Philadelphia Flyers development camp as a free agent invitee.
Philp was passed over at both the 2014 and 2015 NHL Entry Drafts, but hopes to impress Flyers brass at the club’s development camp in Voorhees, N.J., from July 7 to 12.
The native of Canmore, Alta., previously attended Toronto Maple Leafs rookie camp during the fall of 2014.
Descheneau, a 2014 fifth-round pick (124th overall) of the St. Louis Blues, heads to St. Louis for prospect camp from July 6 to 9.
The native of Edmonton has yet to sign an NHL contract, so he heads off with the hopes of earning an entry-level deal.
Bozon, a 2012 third-round pick (64th overall) of the Montreal Canadiens, travels to Brossard, Que., for Habs development camp from July 5 to 9.
The native of Valbonne, France, wrapped up his overage year in the WHL before skating in one game with the Hamilton Bulldogs, Montreal’s AHL affiliate. He is under contract with the Canadiens through the 2016-17 NHL season.
Valiev, a 2014 third-round pick (68th overall) of the Toronto Maple Leafs, heads to Toronto and Collingwood, Ont., for Maple Leafs prospect camp, which is also slated for July 7 to 12.
After his 2013-14 WHL season concluded, Valiev snuck into two games with the Toronto Marlies, the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate.
The native of Nizhnekamsk, Russia, is under contract with the Maple Leafs through 2017-18.
All three of Descheneau, Philp and Valiev are eligible to return to the WHL for the 2015-16 season, but Valiev is expected to turn pro, be that with the Maple Leafs or their AHL affiliate Marlies.
Bozon aged out of junior hockey this past year and will turn pro.
Kootenay Ice training camp is set to open Aug. 30 in Cranbrook.