A former Red Deer minor hockey player, considered to be one of the best in country, has been invited to attend Canada’s National Women’s Development Team camp.

Abagael Thiessen, a 19-year-old defensemen, was one of 25 players invited to the camp, which takes place through August 6th to the 13th in Calgary.

The camp will help Hockey Canada evaluate the players that could fill the roster of the Canadian team competing at the 2018 Nations Cup in Füssen, Germany, in January.

“I got to represent Alberta in Nationals with Team Alberta, but I mean to be that close to representing our country is something really special,” said Thiessen.

“It’s nice to be able to put Red Deer girl’s hockey on the map and be able to represent Red Deer as well on the national stage.”

In May, Thiessen and about 40 other girls took part in a strength and conditioning camp, with the hopes of being invited to the Canada’s National Women’s Development Team camp.

“I was kind of surprised, but obviously really happy and excited about it. I mean it’s also nice to just have that recognition and know that the work you’re putting in is worth it and you’re going on to the next camp.”

Thiessen said she’s learned a lot from competing against the countries best at these camps.

“Just how important the fitness part of it is. They are always stressing that and it’s obviously a big component of every camp we go to.”

“It’s really opened my eyes to what it takes to be an elite player.”

Thiessen spent last year playing at the University of North Dakota, but after the university cut the women’s hockey program, she’ll continue her hockey career at St. Cloud State in Minnesota, starting in the fall.