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“No one cares where you got drafted, no one cares who you got drafted to,” said Strome, who along with Marner scored a goal in Canada’s 4-1 win against Russia in exhibition action Monday night. “It’s about showing what you got at camp and what you got during the season, and if they think you’re good enough to go to (main) camp, then you’ve got to prove it again at Christmastime to make the team.”

This summer, beyond Hockey Canada’s camp in Calgary, is an important time for these players as they seek to build on good seasons and prove they can do more.

Strome continues to work with skating coach Dawn Braid, who years ago helped John Tavares turn his biggest weakness into a strength, while Marner and Sanheim want to improve defensively.

“I want to show them that I can play offence and defence, no matter what they expect from me,” said Marner, who is expected to return to the London Knights this season as the Maple Leafs bring their prospects along slowly. “Whatever (Canadian coaches) want I can do. If that’s being on the third line and shutting down, I can do it. If it means being on the first or second and trying to get points, I’ll do that too.”

Sanheim, a top Philadelphia Flyers prospect, wants to steady his defensive presence for his future and the world juniors. With only Joe Hicketts expected to return to the blue line, there should be plenty of room for him to assume a major role.

That goes for the forwards, too, as only Crouse, Robby Fabbri and Brayden Point are back at summer camp after winning gold. With spots to fill also comes a desire for the younger players to lean on the experienced ones at this camp and beyond.

“You can learn a lot,” said Roy, who was a second-round pick. “Obviously they won the gold medal last year, so they’ve been there. They know what you need to obviously make the team but also to win after. You can ask them a lot of questions, and they’re willing to help you, too, so it’s great.”