Forwards Easton Easterson, Connor Kemp and Thomas Stift and defenseman Jack Blake, Troy Kirkand and Bryan McLachlan - all of whom skated within the Los Angeles Jr. Kings program this past season - were invited to participate in their respective birth years at this year’s USA Hockey National Select Camps, which will be held over the summer in Amherst, N.Y.

The group was selected after their strong performances at the recent Pacific District Player Development Camps, which were showcased earlier this month in San Jose.

“This is an outstanding and well-deserved accomplishment for these young men,” said Jr. Kings general manager of hockey operations Nick Vachon. “Being recognized by USA Hockey on a national level is an honor and speaks volumes to both the talent and character of these kids and our organization from a player development standpoint.”

The 2000-born Easterson (Select 17) and 2001-born Kemp (Select 16) both played for the Jack Bowkus-coached 16U AAA team this past season, while the 2001-born Blake (Select 16) patrolled the blue line for the Jaro Modry-led 15U AAA team.

Sift, Kirt and McLachlan (Select 15) - all 2002-borns - played for Jamie Storr's Bantam Major team.

Three former Jr. Kings - forwards Brendan Brisson (Select 16) and Jackson Wozniak (Select 17) and defenseman Noah Lee (Select 17) - were also invited to participate in their respective national camps.