Eminger will join 34 other hopefuls, including 12 from the Ontario Hockey League, for Team Canada's Final Selection Camp, which opens Wednesday in Halifax.

Eminger participated in Canada's Summer Evaluation Camp last August in Halifax, and is looking forward to the opportunity to represent his country after being the final cut on last year's squad.

"To get a chance to participate in the tournament this year is something that I've been looking forward to," he said.

Eminger was left off the original roster of players announced last week while the Capitals' made the final decision on his release.

"We're very pleased that Team Canada has invited Steve to its training camp," said Capitals vice president and general manager George McPhee in an announcement. "Competing in the World Juniors is a great opportunity for him. The experience will continue his development, and he will return to our lineup a better player."

Eminger, a 19-year-old Toronto native, was the Capitals' first round pick in June's NHL Entry Draft from the Kitchener Rangers and has played 17 National Hockey League games this season, picking up two assists and 24 while averaging just over 10 minutes of playing time per game.

"I'm not doing anything spectacular out there," he said. "But each game I feel like I'm progressing well. I'm pretty happy with my all-around game."

Eminger isn't sure what plans the Capitals have for him after the World Junior tournament, whether he will continue the season in the NHL or be returned to the OHL to help the Rangers' playoff run.

"It depends on how I do at the tournament and how I do in Washington during the two weeks after the tournament," he said. "I'm just going to keep working hard."