Hockey Canada released its World Junior selection camp roster earlier this week, which includes a number of names Maritime hockey fans will be familiar with.

Pierre-Luc Dubois, a Quebec born Cape Breton Screaming Eagles player, was cut from the camp last year. This year, he’s once again one of 32 players from across Canada invited to battle for a spot on the 22-man roster.

“I think everybody in Canada grows up watching those Boxing Day classics against the States, against Russia,” says Dubois. “Just to represent your country at any event is amazing, but now the World Juniors, when everybody's home for Christmas, everybody is watching the games, the fact that it's in Montreal and Toronto in front of friends and family is really fun.”

Representing his country at the World Juniors is a feat Dubois would love to add to his already impressive resume.

“(Last year) I was scared to make mistakes,” recalls Dubois. “I wanted to play just a safe game, but this year I'm going there to have fun and work hard. I know more about the camp, know more about the guys there too.”

“Hockey Canada people had told him at the time, 'we like your game, we want you on the team next year, but you're not completely ready, but we'll watch you,’” says Marc Andre Dumont, Screaming Eagles GM and Coach. “I think that was a message that stuck with him and that allowed him to pursue his development and push to become even better.”

An astounding performance in the back half of last year’s Quebec Major Junior Hockey League season helped to ensure Dubois would be invited back to camp. He exploded for 99 points in 62 games and was drafted third overall to the Columbus Blue Jackets last June.

The 18-year-old returned to the Screaming Eagles this season and was chosen captain for Team QMJHL in last month’s Canada-Russia series.

“It's the result of years and years of work, dedication, sacrifice, sweat, and for Pierre-Luc to be there, we're not surprised, because he's one hell of a player,” says Dumont.

Eight other Quebec League Players will join Dubois at selection camp, including Saint John Sea Dogs standouts Thomas Chabot and Matthieu Joseph, as well as the lone Maritime-born player, Phillipe Myers of Moncton.

Chabot is one of few players from last year's team to return, while Joseph, Myers, and Guillaume Brisebois of the Charlottetown Islanders will fight for their first appearance at the tournament.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Cami Kepke