For Okotoks Oilers defenseman Carson Beers, its been quite the journey so far in his young Alberta Junior Hockey League career.

The Taber native has been part of the Oilers organization for 2.5 years going back to his time as an affiliate when he was 16 years old.

Now in his 2nd full season with the Oilers his strong end to last year's season and his three goals and 13 assists in 25 games have earned him a chance to represent Canada at the World Junior 'A' Challenge in Ontario.

Beers says when he found out he'd be joining 59 other players at the Team Canada West camp in Leduc, he was floored.

"Coach (James Poole) sent me a text saying you're going to get a phone call here pretty soon, its a good one so I just waited along and I got a phone call (from Canada West Head Coach Tim Fragle) and I was pretty happy to get an invite," he says. "It was kind of one of my goals coming into the season hopefully getting an invite to the Canada West tryout."

Many members of the Oilers have tried out for Team Canada West in the past but only three Oilers have been able to crack the roster including Beers' teammate last year, Rhett Gardner. Gardner was named captain at last year's WJAC in Kindersley, SK.

Beers says he may be calling on the former Oiler for some advice heading into camp.

"I'm going to shoot Gards a text here pretty soon," he says. "He's a good guy, he's always a good role model, pretty sure he'll give me some key advice on how to make myself look good or just be a good hockey player or do something the coaches like, that's all you need to do, you need to stand out some how in a simple way or over do it to stand-out."

The thought of having the opportunity to wear Canada Red has Beers revved up to make the most of his opportunity.

"It'd be a pretty cool feeling that's for sure," he says. "Not everybody gets to throw a jersey on that represents Canada, nobody where I'm has had a chance to do it in a long time so hopefully I can."

Beers will have fellow defenseman Reece Soukoroff join him in Leduc for camp starting December 5-8.

The World Junior 'A' Challenge goes December 13-19 in Cobourg and Whitby, ONT.