O’Byrne will bring along the same cast of fellow Island NHLers as clinicians, including Tyson Barrie, who is also an Avalanche defenceman, and Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn.
“Being able to do this in my hometown community was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” said O’Byrne, about his initial camp in 2012.
Registration opens Friday at ryanobyrnecharitycamp.com for Atom- and Peewee players age 9-12. Cost is $500, with all proceeds going to KidSport Victoria, which funds registration fees and equipment costs for local children whose families otherwise could not afford to put them in organized sports.
Meanwhile, O’Byrne commented on Colorado’s 4-6-1 start.
“We’ve been hit hard by injures and been through a rough stretch,” he said.
“We’re struggling right now and just have to find a way to get back on the winning path.”
The six--foot-five O’Byrne has an assist, minus-1 rating and 29 penalty minutes in 11 games.
“I’m playing my defensive defenceman role and concentrating on hitting and blocking shots and the penalty kill,” said O’Byrne.
There are no shortage of Island connections to the Avalanche blueline with former Victoria Salsa (now the Grizzlies) junior Greg Zanon with a goal and assist and minus-6 rating in 11 games. Victoria’s Barrie is pointless and minus-2 in four appearances.
