Lipon, Ranford of Blazers get NHL training camp calls
At least two more Kamloops Blazers will get a taste of the show in September.
Forward JC Lipon will attend NHL training camp with the Colorado Avalanche, and Brendan Ranford has been invited to the Montreal Canadiens’ camp.
“It feels pretty good,” Lipon said.
“I’ve always wanted to go to an NHL camp, but there’s lots more work to do.”
Ranford — who was drafted in 2010 by the Philadelphia Flyers, but not signed — has not yet accepted the Canadiens’ offer.
“That’s where I’m thinking of going, but we’ll see,” he said on Wednesday, July 4.
Ranford, should he accept, will join fellow Blazer Tim Bozon at camp in Montreal.
Bozon was selected by the Habs last month in the third round of the NHL Entry Draft in Pittsburgh.
Lipon and Blazer linemate Colin Smith will get a chance to explore Colorado together in September.
Smith was drafted last month by the Avs in the seventh round.
“He wasn’t the reason why I chose to go to Colorado, but it will obviously be fun,” Lipon said.
“When he’s there we can tour around a little bit.”
Ranford is spending the summer in Edmonton, where he works two jobs — building fences and decks and teaching hockey to children.
The Blazers’ sniper trains with Smith, who also resides in the City of Champions.
Lipon is summering in Regina, where he pours concrete to pay the bills.
Ranford was first in Blazers’ scoring last season with 92 points.
Lipon was fifth with 65.
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