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Point makes it!

'It's overwhelming, almost, sometimes, but I'm just trying to stay laid-back and have some fun'
20171213coltonpointeamcanada

North Bay's Colton Point made the final cut today for Team Canada's World Junior team.  

The final roster was announced after today's 5-2 win for Team Canada over Denmark this afternoon.   

The North Bay native had a very uneventful game against the Danes as he only faced 5 shots turning away 4 of them.  

Meantime, teammate Michael DiPietro was at the busier of the two Team Canada netminders as he stopped 8 of 9 shots he faced in the exhibition win.  

"It's overwhelming, almost, sometimes, but I'm just trying to stay laid-back and have some fun and just show them what I can do ... I'm still just basking in the glory of it all," Point told TSN about the experience after Thursday's game.  

Point beat out Windsor Spitfires goalie Michael DiPietro for the second goaltender position behind incumbent Carter Hart.   

Point shared a shutout dressing for the U-Sports All-Stars on Wednesday and then yesterday made 15 stops for Team Canada in a 4-3 loss to the U-Sports All-Stars Thursday.  

Point, who plays for Colgate, is the first NCAA goalie to dress for Team Canada since 2003 when David LeNeveau wore the maple leaf.    

He is also the first North Bay area player to be selected to play at the World Juniors since Darren Turcotte suited up for Team USA way back in 1987. 

The big goaltender also broke an NHL Entry Draft drought for North Bay in the summer of 2016 when he was selected in the 5th round by the Dallas Stars, ending a 10-year drought for North Bay players as the last local product selected before him was Matt Marquardt back in 2006 (7th round) by the Columbus Blue Jackets.  

See related story: NHL Draft Coverage: Point breaks NHL Draft Drought

Colton's mother Colleen, who is actually American and works as a guidance counsellor at Chippewa high school.  

"We are just so over the moon excited for Colton," the proud Mom told BayToday.ca.

"He's worked tremendously hard and really deserved this opportunity and he capitalized on it. North Bay was a great place for him to develop all the way through midget AAA. Our community has churned out so much amazing goalie talent it's really remarkable." 

Ironically, Colton, a dual citizen, actually attended a spring camp for Team USA this spring before his tremendous start at Colgate this season led Team Canada to come calling in November. 

See related story: Point heading to high profile USA Hockey camp 

The North Bay native first caught the attention of the national media three years ago when he turned in an incredible 107-save performance during a playoff game against the Sault in the Great North Midget League playoffs as a member of the North Bay AAA Trappers in February of 2015.  

See related story: Colton Point's 107 performance impresses goalie fraternity 

 

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Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
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