Tri-City goalie Evan Sarthou invited to USA Hockey’s WJC selection camp

Tri-City Americans goalie Evan Sarthou is one of three Western Hockey League players named to participate in USA Hockey’s selection camp for the upcoming World Junior Championship in Toronto and Montreal.

“It’s a huge honor,” Sarthou said. “Anytime you get a chance to help your country, you want to make sure they see you belong there.”

Portland defender Caleb Jones and Spokane forward Kailer Yamamoto also were invited to the July 30-Aug. 7 camp in Plymouth, Mich.

Sarthou said he got a text from USA Hockey executive Jim Johannson on Monday.

“I’m fortunate to keep getting a call from USA Hockey,” Sarthou said. “I’ve been to the national goaltending camp for five years.”

Sarthou, from Black Diamond, backed Team USA to a gold medal at the 2015 U-18 championship.

“It definitely helps,” Sarthou said of his success with the U.S. “I have developed a strong relationship with USA Hockey.”

Last season with the Americans, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound Sarthou had a 26-28-2 record in 60 games. He had a 3.46 goals against average and a .888 save percentage and two shutouts while playing 3,295 minutes.

Sarthou, forward Jordan Topping and defenseman Dylan Coghlan lead the list of Tri-City Americans players who are eligible for the NHL draft Friday and Saturday.

Sarthou is ranked 12th among North American goaltenders in the final NHL Central Scouting rankings, while Coghlan is ranked 155th among North American skaters, and Topping 176th.

This story was originally published June 22, 2016 at 10:27 AM with the headline "Tri-City goalie Evan Sarthou invited to USA Hockey’s WJC selection camp."