Courtlyn Oswald will look to follow in Callan Harland's footsteps this summer.

The Central Plains Capitals sniper was named to the top-40 roster for Hockey Manitoba's U-18 Female Program of Excellence.

Oswald won't have to travel far to attend the camp, which will take place at the PCU Centre from May 10-13.

"I just feel really honoured," said Oswald. "(Because it's close), people can come and cheer me on."

Oswald said coaches told her they were impressed with her work ethic, and she plans to keep it up heading into next weekend's camp. She thinks she'll have a bit of an edge over some other girls, being on her home rink.

"Knowing the rink (will help)," said Oswald. "I feel more comfortable since I played there all year."

Oswald said she's spoken to Harland as well as teammate Maggie Girard, who also participated in last year's top-40 camp and made it to the top 25, for advice.

As well, Portage la Prairie defender Autumn Garnham, who plays for the Balmoral Hall Blazers, will participate in the camp.

Players were identified at a spring tournament on Mar. 30 and Apr. 1 in Winnipeg. Those who move on from this camp will participate in a prep camp in August and then participate in the National Women's Under-18 Championships in Dawson Creek, B.C. in November.

Harland, the Capitals' captain this past season, was a member of the Manitoba team that earned a bronze medal at the 2011 tournament in Saguenay, Que.

The U-16 Male Program of Excellence will hold its top-40 camp alongside the female camp at the PCU Centre, but no locals will be a part of that event. The team that comes out of this event will participate in the Western Canada U-16 Challenge Cup in Calgary from Nov. 1-4.

Awards presented

A pair of Oswald's teammates earned recognition at the at the 2011-12 Hockey Manitoba Awards Luncheon on Saturday.

A pair of Central Plains Female Capitals came away with scholarships, as Maggie Girard took home one of 10 Hockey Manitoba Scholarships and Alyson Vercaigne won the Nick Hill Memorial Scholarship.

Meanwhile, Portage's Brayden Twist was named Central Plains' most improved official, St. Eustache's Derrick Fleury was named most promising official, and Kevin Henry of MacGregor was named most deserving.

Lastly, Alvin Ogilvie of Portage took home the volunteer of the month award for February.

dan.falloon@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: PDGdfalloon