Ottawa 67s' Tyler Cuma speaks during a press conference after being added to the National Junior Team selection camp roster at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, December 3, 2008.Darren Brown
Tyler Cuma of the Ottawa 67s has been called up to Canada's world junior championship team selection camp to replace injured defenceman Patrick Wiercioch.
Wiercioch of Maple Ridge, B.C., was returned to the University of Denver. He was unable to skate as camp opened Sunday at the Brandt Centre.
Team scout Al Murray said Cuma had just missed the cutoff for invitations to camp and was first in line for a call if a player was injured.
"(Wiercioch) came in with a knee injury that happened a while ago and our medical people didn't feel it had healed to the point where it was in his best interest to be on the ice," Murray said.
Cuma said he got a call Saturday night after a game in Barrie, Ont., and jumped on a plane for Regina.
"I'm running on just a little bit of sleep but I'm overjoyed with the opportunity," said Cuma.
Cuma was injured at last year's camp and missed out on playing the world juniors in Ottawa. He was not among the 36 players originally invited to this year's camp.
"It's unfortunate for him, I know exactly what he's going through," added Cuma. "It's a tough break for him, but those kind of things can happen to any player.
"Fortunately I was the next guy in line. Hopefully this year I'll make a good impression and stick with the team."
Wiercioch is the second player dropped from the list due to injury. Centre Cody Hodgson informed the team this week he could not play due to a back injury.