The NHL lockout shows no sign of ending soon, but world-class hockey is being played in Calgary this week.

Hockey Canada invited 36 players to try out for spots on Canada's national junior team. The majority of them are associated with NHL teams.

Later this month, the team heads to Russia for the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship.

CBC reporter Andrew Brown went to check it out as players took to the ice at Canada Olympic Park Tuesday afternoon.

And it was standing room only at a scrimmage game later in the evening, with some fans saying the pace is faster than the NHL.

The players will be facing off later this week as they battle for a spot on the team's roster.

Practices are open to the public free of charge.

Fans can gain entry into selection camp games by showing a Club Hockey Canada card, bringing a canned food item for donation or paying $5 at the door, which goes to the Hockey Canada Foundation to promote accessibility to the game of hockey.