BROSSARD, Que. -- Aaron Ekblad says no one has a right to expect a spot on Canadas world junior roster, even those players returning for a second tour of duty. The first overall pick in this summers NHL entry draft said that a fourth-place finish at least years world junior championship means everyone vying for a spot on the Canadian squad to play on home soil later this year is on equal footing -- himself included. "Theres something left on the table," said Ekblad of the opportunity squandered in Malmo, Sweden that ended abruptly with a bronze medal game loss to Russia. "Obviously were coming into this with positivity, but we lost last year," added Ekblad, a defenceman for the Ontario Hockey Leagues Barrie Colts. "None of us, I think, have earned the right to say we deserve a spot again." Head Coach Benoit Groulx says thats exactly what he wants to hear. "Thats the attitude we like -- hes coming here as the first pick overall and hes first on every drill and hes probably the hardest working player on the ice," said Groulx, the Gatineau Olympiques coach who served as an assistant-coach for Canada in Sweden. Ekblad is among 39 players in suburban Montreal this week taking part in development camp that runs until Aug. 8. The Canadian players will play in exhibition games in Sherbrooke, Que. and at Concordia University in Montreal against teams from Russia and the Czech Republic. Groulx says he wants to see how players will adapt to what theyre being taught during practice and how theyll put those lessons to the test during games. Everyone will get a chance to play. "We want to be a team, we want to play as a team, we want four lines going hard, playing the same way," Groulx said. "This is our challenge and this is their challenge to be fitting on this team in a specific role." The coach said this week is just the first step in a very long process to decide on who will make up the Canadian squad that will play at the world junior championship in Montreal and Toronto at the end of the year. Ekblad is among a group of ten players at the camp who are back. The group also includes fellow first-round pick Sam Reinhart and young phenom Connor McDavid, the only draft-eligible player among them. Groulx had praise for all returnees who have been exhibiting leadership qualities since camp began Sunday night. "Theyre here, you can tell their ready and they dont take anything for granted," Groulx said. For McDavid in particular, its expected to a pressure-packed year. The Erie Otters forward is projected to be a top NHL draft pick in 2015. McDavid says hes got plenty of people around him keeping him grounded and helping him keep the focus on the task at hand. "At the end of the day, youre here for the world junior championship and nothing else," the soft-spoken McDavid said. "Youre not here for your draft stock or anything like that, youre just here to represent Team Canada and thats it." Canada hasnt won a gold medal in since 2009, when it won its last of five straight. The country hasnt had a medal since 2012 and has back-to-back fourth place finishes in the past two years. "Even to this day, I know a lot of the returning guys are disappointed and have the drive and fire to improve on last year," said Reinhart, a first-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres. "If we were all privileged enough to play, I know everyone is going to be motivated to get the best result possible." The 11-day tournament in Montreal and Toronto opens on Boxing Day and runs to Jan. 5, with the final at Air Canada Centre in Toronto. Its up in the air how many of the players at camp this week will still be eligible to play come December. Many, like Ekblad, expect to challenge for NHL spots. In the case of this years first overall pick, Ekblad made it clear he wants to secure an everyday spot on the Florida Panthers. But he assures that hell be ready and willing if he ends up suiting up for Canada. "We dont know whats going to happen with him (Ekblad) but one thing we know is that if hes with us at Christmas time, hell have the respect of his peers, which is key, and the respect of his coaches," Groulx said. NOTES: Thirty-nine players of the 41 players invited are expected on the ice this week. The exceptions are Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Jonathan Drouin, who isnt obliged to be here because it is his third invite. Vancouver Canucks prospect Jake Virtanen is present but is recovering from an injury and wont be on the ice. Tyler Bertuzzi didnt dress Monday due to illness. Jake Lamb Jersey .J. -- Kevin Gilbride retired Thursday as offensive co-ordinator for the New York Giants. Eduardo Escobar Jersey . As each game passes (each has played close with the exception of last night) it becomes clearer just how evenly matched these two teams are and how one mistake, or one bad inning, is likely to sway the result. http://www.diamondbackssale.com/diamondb...hilling-jersey/. Kyle Denbrook, a soccer player from Saint Marys University, took the CIS male athlete of the week honour. Stanley, a fourth-year business administration student from Charlottetown, scored both goals in a 2-0 win over Dalhousie on Friday and tallied again in a 1-0 win over Saint Marys on Sunday. Rob Refsnyder Jersey . The lightning strike was in the parking lot of Crew Stadium on Saturday night, but its not known if the off-duty lieutenant was struck directly, Columbus Fire Department Battalion Chief Tracy Smith said. The firefighter, identified as Lt. Luis Gonzalez Diamondbacks Jersey . And thats about it. After the Salukis 73-65 loss at Murray State on Tuesday night, Hinson called his players "uncoachable," "a bunch of mamas boys" and compared the disciplining of his young team to housebreaking a puppy."I dont believe in building through free agency." Argos general manager Jim Barker uttered those words during an interview with TSN 1050 radio just prior to the CFLs annual free agent frenzy. If you turn back the clock Barker is true to his word. Last February the only free agent the team added was LB/DE James Yurichuk. He proved his worth as a situational player who excelled on special teams, but it was far from being the kind of deal that captured the attention of more than just the die-hard fan. This may be a similar season in terms of who the Argos bring in according to Barker. "I do believe in plugging holes (via free agency) and trying to find that right guy thats going to bring our club up a notch," Barker noted. The bigger question may be what the club does about three specific players who may opt to not return to Toronto, Pat Watkins, Robert McCune and Swayze Waters. Watkins, a league all-star at cornerback last year, would be the toughest to replace. Hes also been the hardest to find. "Honestly we have not been able to get in touch with him. He doesnt return our calls, which is a bad thing," chuckled Barker. "If a guy doesnt want to be in Toronto then god bless him and good luck. Were persistent. Were sending players to his house, doing all those kind of things to try and run him down. But Pat is one of those guys who is very elusive. Its not a shocking development for us. Its possible hes just involved in something and not worried about it." Swayze Waters led the CFL in punting average and was virtually automatic on field goals down the stretch and is looking at returning to the states. "Hes tried out for a couple of NFL teams," Barker told TSN 1050. "Every indication hes given us is that hes coming back to Toronto if he comes back to the CFL." The Argos are preparing for the scenario where Waters makes an NFL team, and last week signed LSU grad Josh Jasper. Robert McCunes worth was evident in the teams loss to Hamilton in the Eastern Final. The middle linebacker, who was third in the league with 99 tackles, missed the game with a shoulder injury. It seemed every time Henry Burris scrambled, he ran right where McCune would have been. "With Robert were kind of waiting," said the GM. "Obviously Robert had a great year for us. Hes 34 years old. Thats a decision that were in the process of making, to which direction were going to go with him." If the Argos and McCune were to part ways it would leave the team down a couple of middle linebackers, as Jason Pottinger was selected by Ottawa in the expansion draft. Barker has a replacement all picked out, someone who may not be thought of as an MLB. "Shane Horton. Thats his natural position." Barker said, tthen may have tipped his hand about McCunes future.dddddddddddd "(Horton) played out of position playing rush end last year. Hes going to be a very, very good middle linebacker." Barker added he feels that at 215 pounds, Horton is big enough to play in the middle. Herve Tonye-Tonye, a non-import who just completed his rookie season, can also play the inside. As far as non-imports are concerned, it may be an interesting free agency period because of the recent expansion draft. Stocking the Ottawa RedBlacks took its toll on the existing teams rosters, so there will be a desire to restock the shelves with fresh talent. Barker commented on a few of the Canadians on the Argos that are on the verge of free agency. Chad Rempel, long snapper: "Chad worked out with Tampa Bay (NFL). He wants to give that a chance until thats exhausted." Zander Robinson, tight end/fullback: "Zander loves being in Toronto and loves how weve used him in the offence. Hes a valuable guy for us, but hes also exploring NFL opportunities." David Lee, defensive end: "Is a guy that had a real good year for us. I think he wants to try the free-agent market. Its his first time going through that and I think hes a guy that wants to go out and see what the market is all about." Mike Bradwell, wide receiver. "I think were really close. He loves being in Toronto." Coaching Moves/Tryout Camp: The Boatmen lost several coaches in the off-season. Special teams coordinator Mike OShea left to become the head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, while defensive coordinator Chris Jones took over the head coaching job with the Edmonton Eskimos. Jones also took a handful of assistant coaches with him. Barker says there will be announcement about the new-look staff in the immediate future. "Were excited about what our staff is going to look like" said Barker. "Scott (head coach Milanovich) will be announcing those (soon). Hes come up with a couple of guys who have great CFL experience.” Barker spoke to TSN 1050 from Atlanta, where the Argos were hosting a tryout camp. Over 60 players were in attendance and Barker was happy with what they found. "There were two players that were going to attempt to sign" said the GM. "Were pretty excited." If those players head north in June theyll attend training camp. Where that will be is still anyones guess. The team will not be back at the University of Torontos Erindale campus and at present are homeless. Where are they heading? "Those are questions for (Executive Chairman and CEO) Chris Rudge. "I know that theres some different things going on with York University," said Barker. "Other than that, Im not privy to those things.” ' ' '