'Huge honor' for Lucic

Because of his ability to throw game-changing hits, Milan Lucic is headed to Calgary for Olympic camp in August. (Barry Chin/Globe Staff)

On Wednesday morning, while waiting for a car service to drive him from Hartford's Bradley International Airport to Boston, Milan Lucic got a phone call he thought be coming.

It was Doug Armstrong, Hockey Canada's director of player personnel, informing Lucic that he'd been invited to the Olympic orientation camp in Calgary in August.

"I had mixed feelings about it," Lucic said. "I thought it would be a huge honor to get called. But I didn't know what to expect. I heard the media talking about it a little bit before. I wasn't going to get worried about it. If I got the call, great. If not, I wouldn't have been too upset."

Lucic was one of 25 forwards to get the call. He knows there's a reason why Hockey Canada selected him for the camp, which could be a prelude to making the final roster.

"The main reason they called me is because of the game that I play," said the thump-first left wing. "I have to keep that the same. I don't think I should go in there trying to be a scorer. They already called guys that are the best scorers in the league already. I understand the reason why they brought me into camp. It's more to play a checking role. I'd be playing limited minutes, but when I'm out there, I have to bring energy for the team. It's being physical, making good, strong plays, and being good in the defensive zone."