Regina – The Saskatchewan Hockey Association and Hockey Manitoba announced the members for Team West who will be competing in the Under 17 World Hockey Challenge in the Alberni Valley, British Colombia from December 29, 2008 to January 4, 2009. Among the 22 players named 10 currently play in the Western Hockey League.
WHL Players on Team West Name, position, hometown, WHL Club Calvin Pickard (G) – Winnipeg, MB – Seattle Thunderbirds Carter Berg (D) – Saskatoon, SK – Chilliwack Bruins Dylan McIlrath (D) – Winnipeg, MB – Moose Jaw Warriors Drew Czerwonka (F) – Glenavon, SK – Kootenay Ice Dominick Favreau (F) – Martensville, SK – Regina Pats Quinton Howden (F) – Oakbank, MB – Moose Jaw Warriors Charles Inglis (F) – Saskatoon, SK – Saskatoon Blades Brooks Macek (F) – Winnipeg, MB – Tri-City Americans Christian Magnus (F) – Saskatoon, SK – Swift Current Broncos Mark Stone (F) – Winnipeg, MB – Brandon Wheat Kings
The announcement of the final roster, which includes 11 players from Saskatchewan and 11 players from Manitoba, concludes a lengthy selection process that has been going on in both provinces. Players first take part in regional camps. The top players from each region then compete against each other in a Spring Tournament, and from there, the top players attend a Summer Camp. Eleven (11) players are then chosen from each of the Manitoba and Saskatchewan Branches to form Team West. Team West will look to continue their strong showing at this event, and will contend for a medal.
The coaching staff is confident in this team’s abilities. Head Coach Paul Krueger (Winnipeg, Manitoba) feels we have another competative team. “We are looking to continue the high standard set by past teams, and we feel we have the right players to do just that” Krueger explained.
Representing Saskatchewan on this year’s Team West are the following players: Sean Aschim, Carter Berg, Drew Czerwonka, Dominick Favreau, Charles Inglis, Tyler Kizuik, Christian Magnus, Kendall McFaull, Jaden Schwartz, Derek Tendler and Dylan Wruck. Joining the Saskatchewan players will be the Manitoba contingent of: Jordan De Pape, Mathew Glowa, Quinton Howden, Kyle Krzyzaniak, Brooks Macek, Dylan McIlrath, Calvin Pickard, Michael St. Croix, Peter Stoykewych and Nolan Zajac.
Team West departs for Port Alberni on December 26th and will see its first action in an exhibition game against Russia on Sunday, December 28th. Tournament play begins Saturday, December 29th versus Quebec.
This year's Team West will compete at the 2009 World Under-17 Challenge, December 29, 2008 to January 4, 2009 in Port Alberni, BC and across Vancouver Island. The roster includes 11 players from Saskatchewan and 11 from Manitoba. |