61 CHL Players set to compete in World Under 17 Hockey Challenge
Wednesday October 29, 2014
The top young players from across the globe will converge next week as the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge gets underway. The annual tournament runs from November 2-8 in Sarnia and in Lambton Shores.
Typically putting forth a five team regional representation, Hockey Canada has transitioned to a new format this year, trimming the Canadian based teams to three. Rather than forming teams on a geographical model, young players from all across Canada will play alongside one another on one of three teams; Team Canada Black, White and Red.
A driving factor behind the change is Hockey Canada’s desire to send a unified message to players across the nation.
“When you’re spread out over a large country like we have, it’s difficult to get a consistent message from coast to coast,” Hockey Canada Vice President of Hockey Operations Scott Salmond told HockeyCanada.ca. “The ability to bring everyone in and get the same message that’s controlled by Hockey Canada – that is the primary objective. Number two is to make sure we get the best players. Not the best players in each region, but the best players in Canada.”
Of the 61 CHL players competing in the event, the Ontario Hockey League provides the largest representation with 26 players attending. OHL talent is headlined by a pair of defencemen who competed with Team Ontario at last year’s event. Sophomore blueliner Sean Day, who gained exceptional status to play with the Mississauga Steelheads as a 15 year-old last season, is off to an exceptional start in his second OHL season posting eight points (2-6-8) in his first 10 games. Day is joined on the blueline by 2014 OHL Priority Selection first overall pick Jakob Chychrun of the Sarnia Sting. The 6’2”, 194Ib. rearguard was playing minor hockey last season when he suited up against the world’s best at 15-years-old, and now has three goals and four assists in 12 games with the Sting seeing the ice in all situations.
The QMJHL sees 19 players participating in the tournament including another standout defender in 2014 QMJHL Entry Draft first overall selection Luke Green of the Saint John Sea Dogs. A native of Bedford, NS, the smooth skating Green has eight points (1-7-8) and a plus-6 rating through his first 15 contests. Fellow top draft pick Pascal Laberge of the Gatineau Olympiques will also be suiting up.
The WHL will send 16 representatives to Sarnia, headlined by big Winnipeg native Nolan Patrick who has had a strong start to the season with the Brandon Wheat Kings. The son of former pro Steve Patrick and nephew of long-time NHL blueliner James Patrick, the 6’3”, 192Ib. Winnipeg native has seen time on the top line of Brandon’s third-ranked powerplay unit. Regina Pats forward Sam Steel and 2013 WHL Bantam Draft first overall selection Tyler Benson of the Vancouver Giants will also compete.
The three teams will be guided by accomplished coaches in Sheldon Keefe (Team White/Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds), Dan Lambert (Team Red /Kelowna Rockets) and Kelly Nobes (McGill University/Team Black).
The Canadian rosters were formed by a selection committee consisting of Hockey Canada’s Director of Player Personnel Ryan Jankowski, Hockey Canada Program of Excellence management group member Joel Bouchard, and regional scouts Donald Audette (Quebec), Brad McEwen (West), Kevin Mitchell (Atlantic) and Kyle Raftis (Ontario).
Canada aims to return to the top of the podium this season for the first time since 2011 when Sean Monahan, Kerby Rychel and Mathew Campagna led Team Ontario to gold. Most recently, Team Pacific brought home a silver medal in last year’s event.
The puck drops on exhibition action Friday, with games in Sarnia, Lambton Shores, Petrolia and Watford before preliminary round play begins on Sunday.
In addition to the three Canadian teams, the eight team tournament will also feature the United States, Russia, Sweden, Finland and Slovakia.
For more details including team rosters, schedules and ticket information, visit HockeyCanada.ca.