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Canucks prospects Woo and Focht excited for a run with Hitmen

There were some big connections formed between the Vancouver Canucks and the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL this summer.

First, the Hitmen went out and acquired 2000-born, Canucks-signed defenseman Jett Woo in exchange for blue liner Vladislav Yeryomenko, 2002-born forward Ryder Korczak, and two high draft picks.

Then, the Canucks drafted 2000-born forward Carson Focht in the fifth round of the NHL Draft.

The two bonded at Canucks Development Camp, Hockey Canada’s World Junior Summer Showcase, and then Canucks main camp, before heading back to Calgary to join the Hitmen.

Carson Focht (photo by DUBNetwork.ca)

“I’ve played with Jett a few times — Youth Olympics, U17s, and World Juniors Showcase — so yeah, nothing new there. Me and Jett are really good friends so it’s nice we are both here,” Focht said at Canucks camp.

Woo was excited to find out that he was being dealt to Calgary where he knew Focht and some others.

“I think going into the offseason I kind of had an idea of where I was gonna be going. I was told Kelowna or Calgary. Going to Calgary is one place that I really want to go, and obviously going back to Moose Jaw would have been nice too. But I understand kind of where our team position we were in and the trades we had to make. So I got a lot of buddies on Calgary, and we got high hopes and our goal is to win the Memorial Cup.”

Focht, who put up 64 points last season, agrees with Woo that the Hitmen are expecting a lot out of themselves this season, after making it to the second round in 2018-19.

Jett Woo (photo by DUBNetwork.ca)

“I’m really excited. Last year was a really big stepping stone for us. We saw the way we could play and into the playoffs. Picking up Jett is going to be big for us. I think we have a really winning culture in the room right now, and I know everyone is excited to get back and are really motivated this year. The coach and everyone is ready to go on a big streak this year. I’m excited.”

The physical Woo, who added 66 points for the Warriors last season, believes he is recovered from an undisclosed injury and ready to make an impact in what will likely be his last season in the WHL.

“I think it’s a little bit of a confidence booster to see myself perform in the drills, to play strong defensively and to jump up in the rush. I think going through the summer with a little rehab, it’s obviously nice to see you kind of what I’ve gone through the summer and just kind of enjoy it now and build off it.”

Focht also got a lot out of training camp as he vies for an NHL entry-level contract.

“I think it’s just the pace. I think guys are pros out here. They do everything lightning fast. You have to think the game and move your feet just that much quicker. It’s also the strength. Guys are a bit bigger. They lean on you a bit more in the corners. I think those are the biggest differences.”

Both know what they needed to work on this summer. For Woo, it was his offense from the back end.

“I want to be a player that can be put in any situation, you know. I always found myself on defense. Throughout my career, that’s where I want to take care of the most. Hopefully, my offense comes along with it.”

Carson Focht (photo-Andy Devlin)

Focht, meanwhile, worked on his strength. Both of them played a lot of hockey with the Summer Showcase and two camps.

“I had a great offseason this year. I was back with my trainer in Regina, you know. There was a lot of hockey with going to the showcase as well too, so I was training for something, so it was good.”

If the Hitmen play up to their potential, both Focht and Woo will continue to be busy. The two should have plenty of opportunities to show the Canucks brass what they are made of.

Interviews conducted by Ryan Sinclair at Canucks training camp.