Keith Getson took a big step toward his dream of perhaps one day playing in the National Hockey League last week.

The Bridgewater native wrapped up a successful training camp with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's (QMJHL) Charlottetown Islanders, having earned not only the praises of his head coach but also a roster spot to start the 2014-15 "Q" league campaign.

Getson was selected 48th overall in the third round of QMJHL draft by the Islanders earlier in the summer after posting 42 points in 40 regular season and playoff games for the major midget South Shore Mustangs last year.

Islanders' head coach Gordie Dwyer said it was clear from the start of camp that the 16-year-old was willing to put in the time and dedication necessary to earn a place in Charlottetown.

"He's not only a skilled winger, but he's able to get his nose dirty and play a physical game as well," Mr. Dwyer explained. "He's buying in and doing a really good job of showing he wants to be here."

Mr. Getson's mother, Donette, and father, Harvey, have been in Charlottetown for all of training camp. Ms Getson said each day they could see their son getting more and more confident in how he was carrying himself on the ice.

Getson tallied two goals early in camp during an intrasquad game, and subsequently scored in a 5-2 preseason loss to Moncton on August 15.

"[Last week] Keith asked us to stay until he was finished his off-ice work out," she recounted. "In true Keith fashion, he waited until we were in the car to privately tell us he had made the team. We both were teary and so excited."

The forward is one of a trio of 16-year-old players who will be breaking camp with the Islanders as the Quebec league season gets under way in about a week.

While Mr. Dwyer said while it's a pretty significant jump from playing major midget to major junior, and that the rigours of the game are much more physically demanding, he noted that Getson put himself on solid ground by committing himself to training hard over the summer.

"He's in great shape and has really taken his conditioning seriously, and he's given himself an opportunity to compete with older guys because of that," he said. "We're excited to have him on board."

"We really liked him in midget last year and we felt fortunate to get him in the draft where we got him. He's got to earn it every day and continue with his development, but he's on the right path, that's for sure."

Getson's mother echoed those comments too, noting that her son has been extremely dedicated to pursuing his hockey dreams, both on and off the ice.

"Keith has worked very hard over a number of years to achieve this goal. He has been disciplined in his routine – everything from hydration, [to] nutrition, sleep and, of course, workouts," she said. "We are very proud of his work ethic and character. He is a very humble young man and knows what he has to do to reach his dream."

The Islanders will play their final two preseason games this week on Friday and Saturday. The regular season then gets underway on September 12 at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown against the Saint John Sea Dogs.