FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020

Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today the Academic Spotlight for December, featuring the Central Division. Student athletes recognized this month for their academic achievements include forward Adam Kydd of the Calgary Hitmen, forward Jake Neighbours of the Edmonton Oil Kings, forward Noah Boyko of the Lethbridge Hurricanes, defenceman Dru Krebs of the Medicine Hat Tigers, forward Dallon Melin of the Red Deer Rebels, and defenceman Hendrik De Klerk of the Swift Current Broncos.

During the months of November through February, each of the WHL’s 22 member Clubs will name a student-athlete that has achieved significant academic results as selected by the Club. Each month, one WHL Division will have their players celebrated in the Academic Spotlight:

Academic Spotlight Schedule
November – East Division
December – Central Division
January – U.S. Division
February – B.C. Division

WHL players recognized as Academic Achievers are observed as those striving to reach their full potential in their educational programs while balancing WHL commitments.



Adam Kydd, Calgary Hitmen: Rookie forward Adam Kydd, a 17-year-old product of Regina, Sask., is taking his learning to new heights at the Edge School. Succeeding academically in English and Calculus, Kydd has become involved with his local community as well.

“Kidd has served his community by contributing to the Ever Active Resiliency Summit,” said Hitmen Academic Advisor Bernie Bajnok. “He has shown academic leadership in the classroom and in the sporting world, serving as an Equipment Fitter for Super Heroes Equipment Fit as well as taking on a role with the Hockey Calgary Leadership day.”

Kydd represented the Hitmen in his hometown at the 2019 WHL Prairie Classic, helping his Hitmen earn an overtime victory in the third-ever outdoor game in WHL history. Through 33 games this season, Kydd has recorded 10 points (5G-5A).



Jake Neighbours, Edmonton Oil Kings: Forward Jake Neighbours, a 17-year-old product of Airdrie, Alta., is committed to his educational goals at Salisbury Composite High School. Enrolled in Math, Social Studies, and Leadership courses, Neighbours is furthering his academic pursuits while also succeeding on the ice.

“While playing a leading role on the ice, Jake is still committed to his academic pursuits,” said Oil Kings Academic Advisor Sharon Sereda. “He is setting a strong educational example for other players with the Oil Kings.”

With the league-leading Oil Kings, Neighbours ranks second in team scoring with 46 points (15G-31A) through 44 games this season, also tying him for 17^th in league scoring. Neighbours has also garnered considerable interest for the 2020 NHL Draft and was recently ranked 30^th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting on their midterm rankings.



Noah Boyko, Lethbridge Hurricanes: The second-year forward is a product of Fort Saskatchewan, Alta. and is focused on his academic achievements while enrolled at Chinook High School. Taking courses in English, Social Studies, Special Projects, and Work Experience, Boyko is balancing his responsibilities in the classroom and with his teammates on the ice.

“From his first days as a rookie, Noah has worked very hard under minimal supervision to maintain a top honors average,” said Hurricanes Academic Advisor Jim Stewart. “Not only has he achieved top grades, but he has modelled excellent academic and personal conduct in the school and with his teammates.”

Boyko has already established career-high totals in all three major offensive categories this season, posting 25 points (10G-15A) in 42 games. He has also earned recognition by NHL Central Scouting on their midterm rankings for the 2020 NHL Draft, where he was ranked 180^th among North American skaters.



Dru Krebs, Medicine Hat Tigers: Rookie defenceman Dru Krebs, a product of Okotoks, Alta., is enrolled at Medicine Hat High School to continue his pursuit of his educational goals. Taking courses in Math and Chemistry, Krebs is setting a strong example in the classroom for his teammates.

“For Dru his schooling is very important to him and it shows in the dedication he puts into it,” said Tigers Academic Advisor Gary McDougall. “With our weekly study hall sessions he is very focused on the task at hand, and uses these sessions from start to finish achieving his academic goals.”

The youngest of the three Krebs brothers currently playing in the WHL, Dru has recorded 11 points (3G-8A) in 37 games this season.



Dallon Melin, Red Deer Rebels: Forward Dallon Melin is a product of Czar, Alta. and has taken on a larger role with the team’s on-ice performance while also keeping up with his academic responsibilities. Enrolled in online courses through St. Gabriel Online School, the 17-year-old Melin recently completed his first semester of Grade 12, earning top marks in Biology and English.

“With his positive, pleasant, and hard-working attitude, he is a great example of a dedicated hockey player both on the ice and in school,” said Rebels Academic Advisor Teresa Jaeger. “He is a conscientious student who, along with managing a hectic game and training schedule, maintains a focus and commitment to academic excellence.”

On a young Rebels team, Melin is contributing more in his second season. The forward has posted 11 points (5G-6A), including a game-winning goal, in 41 games this season.



Hendrik De Klerk, Swift Current Broncos: A 17-year-old product of Swift Current, Sask., defenceman Hendrik De Klerk is enrolled at Swift Current Comprehensive High School. The defenceman is enrolled in Pre-Calculus, Chemistry, and English Language Arts, furthering his academic pursuits.

“Hendrik is a mature and dedicated student with a strong work ethic, which is helping him balance the expectations of completing a heavy course load and playing hockey at this level,” said Broncos Academic Advisor Tracey Martin.

Acquired by his hometown Broncos in August 2019, De Klerk has played a key role on the team’s blue line this season. In 38 games, he has tallied 12 points (2G-10A), including one game-winning goal.

WHL Academic Achievers – December

Club	Nominee	School / Institution
Brandon	Jake Chiasson	Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School
Everett	Braden Holt	Everett High School
Kamloops	Matthew Seminoff	Valleyview Secondary School
Kelowna	Elias Carmichael	Kelowna Secondary School
Moose Jaw	Braden Miller	Vanier Collegiate Institute
Portland	Seth Jarvis	Sunset High School
Prince Albert	Jakob Brook	Carlton Comprehensive High School
Prince George	Nikita Krivokrasov	Prince George Secondary School
Regina	Makai Mitchell	Michael A. Riffel Catholic High School
Saskatoon	Charlie Wright	City Park Collegiate
Seattle	Mekai Sanders	Kentwood High School
Spokane	Bear Hughes	Immaculate Conception Academy
Tri-City	Tom Cadieux	Kamiakin High School
Vancouver	Cole Shepard	South Delta Secondary School
Victoria	Riley Gannon	Victoria High School
Winnipeg	Connor McClennon	Shaftesbury High School

Fully funded by WHL member Clubs, all current WHL players are encouraged to enroll in post-secondary courses. This season, over 160 current players are taking post-secondary courses while playing in the WHL. The financial assistance received for post-secondary studies while playing does not impact on the WHL Scholarship benefits a WHL player is entitled to upon graduating from the League.

Every player who plays in the WHL is eligible to receive the WHL Scholarship. For every season a player plays in the WHL, they receive a guaranteed, full-year WHL Scholarship, including tuition, textbooks and compulsory fees to a post-secondary institution of their choice. The WHL Scholarship is a fully-guaranteed academic scholarship with no requirement to play university hockey to qualify.

About the Western Hockey League
Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 22 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and five in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 350 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.

WHL ANNOUNCES FIVE-GAME SUSPENSION FOR THUNDERBIRDS’ MCNELLY   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today that Cade McNelly of the Seattle Thunderbirds has been suspended five games for a cross-check major and game misconduct he received during WHL Regular Season Game #287 in Spokane on Tuesday, December 3.   McNelly’s suspension will start Friday, December 6 when Seattle visits Victoria. McNelly will be eligible to return to the lineup for WHL Regular Season Game #344 on Sunday, December 15.   Though there was no injury to the opponent on the play, McNelly is a repeat offender, including being previously suspended for a cross-check major and game misconduct. About the Western Hockey League Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 22 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and five in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 350 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.   -30-

For further information, please contact:  Taylor Rocca Director, Communications Western Hockey League roccat@whl.ca   Share Tweet Forward Share   Twitter Facebook Website Instagram Email     Copyright © *2016* *Western Hockey League*, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 2424 University Dr NW Calgary, AB  T2N 3Y9 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2019 Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today that forward Bear Hughes of the Spokane Chiefs has been named WHL Rookie of the Month for November 2019.

A ‘C’-rated prospect for the 2020 NHL Draft, Hughes recorded 12 points (5G-7A) and a plus-12 rating in 12 games during November. The Chiefs went 7-3-2-0 in the calendar month, remaining in third place in the competitive U.S. Division.

During the month of November, Hughes recorded points in eight of his team’s 12 games, posting four multi-point efforts. The final point of the month for the Port Falls, Idaho product was an assist on the game-winning goal in overtime against the Victoria Royals Saturday night.

Throughout November, Hughes was recognized as the first star of the game and third star of the game once.

The 6-foot-1, 165-pound forward has posted 20 points (10G-10A), including one power-play goal, in 22 WHL games during the 2019-20 WHL Regular Season. Originally listed by the Chiefs, Hughes has posted 22 points (12G-10A) in 24 WHL regular season games, including one power-play goal. He’s also appeared in three WHL playoff games.

Hughes and the Chiefs are in action Tuesday, December 3 (7:05 p.m. PT) when they play host to the Seattle Thunderbirds at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.

WHL Rookie of the Month
November: Bear Hughes, Spokane Chiefs
September/October: Cole Sillinger, Medicine Hat Tigers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019

Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League is proud to announce today eight WHL players have been invited to Hockey Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek Selection Camp, scheduled for Monday, December 9 to Thursday, December 12 in Oakville, Ont.

Five first-round NHL Draft selections headline this year’s representation from the WHL, led by returning defenceman Ty Smith (Lloydminster, Alta. / Spokane Chiefs).

Joining Smith at the National Junior Team Sport Chek Selection Camp are goaltender Joel Hofer (Winnipeg, Man. / Portland Winterhawks), defencemen Calen Addison (Brandon, Man. / Lethbridge Hurricanes), Bowen Byram (Cranbrook, B.C. / Vancouver Giants), Braden Schneider (Prince Albert, Sask. / Brandon Wheat Kings), along with forwards Dylan Cozens (Whitehorse, Yukon / Lethbridge Hurricanes), Nolan Foote (Kelowna, B.C. / Kelowna Rockets), and Peyton Krebs (Okotoks, Alta. / Winnipeg ICE).

WHL Invitees – Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek Selection Camp 

Goaltenders	H	W	DOB	Hometown	WHL Club	NHL
Joel Hofer	6’5”	172	7/30/2000	Winnipeg, Man.	Portland Winterhawks	STL ’18 (4-107)
Defence
Calen Addison	5’10”	180	4/11/2000	Brandon, Man.	Lethbridge Hurricanes	PIT ’18 (2-53)
Bowen Byram	6’1”	192	6/13/2001	Cranbrook, B.C.	Vancouver Giants	COL ’19 (1-4)
Braden Schneider	6’2”	210	9/20/2001	Prince Albert, Sask.	Brandon Wheat Kings	Eligible 2020
Ty Smith	5’11”	175	3/24/2000	Lloydminster, Alta.	Spokane Chiefs	NJD ’18 (1-17)
Forwards
Dylan Cozens	6’3”	185	2/9/2001	Whitehorse, Yukon	Lethbridge Hurricanes	BUF ‘19 (1-7)
Nolan Foote	6’4”	200	11/29/2000	Kelowna, B.C.	Kelowna Rockets	TBL ’19 (1-27)
Peyton Krebs	5’11”	180	1/26/2001	Okotoks, Alta.	Winnipeg ICE	VGK ‘19 (1-17)

COMPLETE SELECTION CAMP ROSTER

In total, Hockey Canada named four goaltenders, 10 defencemen, and 17 forwards to the 31-man roster.

“After a long evaluation process through summer camp, the early weeks of the CHL season and the Canada-Russia Series, we are nearing the final steps in selecting the roster that will represent Canada at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship,” said Hockey Canada’s Head Scout Brad McEwen. “We are expecting a highly competitive camp from these 31 players, and we know there will be many difficult decisions when it comes time to select the players who will wear the Maple Leaf in the Czech Republic.”

Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek Selection Camp will be held at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, home of the Oakville Blades of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, and will feature a pair of games against a team of U SPORTS all-stars on Dec. 11-12. Tickets for selection camp are available at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets, starting at $15 plus fees.

The 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship begins on Boxing Day when Canada takes on the United States at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. TSN and RDS, Hockey Canada’s official broadcast partners, will air all 31 games at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship, providing wall-to-wall game coverage and analysis throughout the tournament.

Canada has won 31 medals at the IIHF World Junior Championship since 1977, including 17 gold, nine silver and five bronze. Team Canada last took home gold in Buffalo in 2018.

For more information on Hockey Canada, Canada’s National Junior Team and the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and #WorldJuniors.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019

Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today that Brandon Wheat Kings forward Cole Reinhardt has been named the WHL On the Run Player of the Week for the week ending December 1, 2019.

Earning the award for the second time this season, the 19-year-old recorded eight points (4G-4A) and a plus-seven rating in two games as the Wheat Kings split a home-and-home set against the Winnipeg ICE. The win kept the Wheat Kings six points ahead of the Moose Jaw Warriors for the second wild card spot in the WHL’s Eastern Conference.

Friday, Reinhardt posted a career-high five points in a 7-4 win against the ICE. The performance included the second hat trick of his WHL career and a pair of assists. He scored the second, sixth, and seventh goals of the game for the Wheaties, adding helpers on their third and fifth goals of the game. He was named the first star of the game and first star of the night in the WHL.

In Saturday’s 6-5 loss to the ICE in Winnipeg, Reinhardt recorded a goal as part of a three-point night.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound product of Calgary, Alta. is enjoying a strong first half of the season, posting 28 points (17G-11A) in 28 games, including three power-play goals, one short-handed goal, and two game-winning goals. His 17 goals are tied for fifth in the WHL.

Reinhardt was originally selected by the Wheat Kings in the ninth round, 197^th overall, of the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft. For his WHL career, Reinhardt has 114 points (61G-53A) in 224 WHL regular season games, including 14 power-play goals, two short-handed goals, and 10 game-winning goals.

Brandon returns to action on Tuesday, December 3 (7:00 p.m. CT) when they play host to the Swift Current Broncos at Westoba Place.

ROCKETS’ BASRAN NAMED
WHL ELI WILSON GOALTENDING GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019 Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today that Brandon Wheat Kings forward Cole Reinhardt has been named the WHL On the Run Player of the Week for the week ending December 1, 2019.

Earning the award for the second time this season, the 19-year-old recorded eight points (4G-4A) and a plus-seven rating in two games as the Wheat Kings split a home-and-home set against the Winnipeg ICE. The win kept the Wheat Kings six points ahead of the Moose Jaw Warriors for the second wild card spot in the WHL’s Eastern Conference.

Friday, Reinhardt posted a career-high five points in a 7-4 win against the ICE. The performance included the second hat trick of his WHL career and a pair of assists. He scored the second, sixth, and seventh goals of the game for the Wheaties, adding helpers on their third and fifth goals of the game. He was named the first star of the game and first star of the night in the WHL.

In Saturday’s 6-5 loss to the ICE in Winnipeg, Reinhardt recorded a goal as part of a three-point night.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound product of Calgary, Alta. is enjoying a strong first half of the season, posting 28 points (17G-11A) in 28 games, including three power-play goals, one short-handed goal, and two game-winning goals. His 17 goals are tied for fifth in the WHL.

Reinhardt was originally selected by the Wheat Kings in the ninth round, 197^th overall, of the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft. For his WHL career, Reinhardt has 114 points (61G-53A) in 224 WHL regular season games, including 14 power-play goals, two short-handed goals, and 10 game-winning goals.

Brandon returns to action on Tuesday, December 3 (7:00 p.m. CT) when they play host to the Swift Current Broncos at Westoba Place.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019

Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today that Kelowna Rockets goaltender Roman Basran has been named the WHL Eli Wilson Goaltending Goaltender of the Week for the week ending December 1, 2019.

Basran made two appearances this week, posting a 1-0-0-1 record with a 0.96 goals-against average, and stopped 46 of 48 shots for a 0.958 save percentage along with one shutout. Earning three of four points from their two games this week, the Rockets are now 5-0-0-1 in their last six games and still sitting second in the B.C. Division, four points behind the Kamloops Blazers.

In Tuesday’s matchup against the Edmonton Oil Kings, Basran stopped all 27 shots through regulation and overtime for his first shutout this season. Though Basran did take the loss in the shootout, allowing one goal on three attempts, he was named the second star of the game for his efforts. Saturday against the Prince George Cougars, Basran stopped 19 of 21 shots in a 3-2 win for Kelowna. Basran stopped two shots in the first, 11 in the second, and six in the third.

The 18-year-old from Vancouver, B.C. was originally selected by the Rockets in the third round, 64^th overall, of the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft. In 20 games this season, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound goaltender has a record of 11-5-1-2, 2.49 GAA, 0.917 SV%, and one shutout. For his WHL career, Basran has compiled a 37-27-4-3 record, 2.68 GAA, 0.911 SV%, and four shutouts in 82 WHL regular season games.

Basran and the Rockets will begin their road trip through the East Division on Friday, December 6 (7:00 p.m. CT) against the Prince Albert Raiders.

WHL On the Run Player of the Week
November 25 – December 1: Cole Reinhardt, Brandon Wheat Kings
November 18 – November 24: Logan Barlage, Lethbridge Hurricanes
November 11 – November 17: Cole Reinhardt, Brandon Wheat Kings
November 4 – November 10: James Hamblin, Medicine Hat Tigers
October 28 – November 3: Oliver Okuliar, Lethbridge Hurricanes
October 21 – October 27: Jake Gricius, Portland Winterhawks
October 14 – October 20: Orca Wiesblatt, Calgary Hitmen
October 7 – October 13: James Hamblin, Medicine Hat Tigers
September 30 – October 6: Ty Smith, Spokane Chiefs
September 23 – September 29: Dylan Cozens, Lethbridge Hurricanes
September 20 – September 22: Bryce Kindopp, Everett Silvertips

WHL Eli Wilson Goaltending Goaltender of the Week
November 25 – December 1: Roman Basran, Kelowna Rockets
November 18 – November 24: Roman Basran, Kelowna Rockets
November 11 – November 17: David Tendeck, Vancouver Giants
November 4 – November 10: Trent Miner, Vancouver Giants
October 28 – November 3: Joel Hofer, Portland Winterhawks
October 21 – October 27: Shane Farkas, Victoria Royals
October 14 – October 20: Dylan Garand, Kamloops Blazers
October 7 – October 13: Joel Hofer, Portland Winterhawks
September 30 – October 6: Ethan Anders, Red Deer Rebels
September 23 – September 29: Beck Warm, Tri-City Americans
September 20 – September 22: Roddy Ross, Seattle Thunderbirds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2019

Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League, in collaboration with the Canadian Hockey League and Hockey Canada, announced today the roster for Team WHL, which will compete against Team Russia at the 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series on November 13 and 14 in Saskatoon and Prince Albert, Sask.
 
Returning to this year’s roster are seven members of Team WHL from the 2018 event, including three of the top-10 selections from the 2019 NHL Draft in Kirby Dach of the Saskatoon Blades (Chicago Blackhawks, Round 1 – Pick 3), Bowen Byram of the Vancouver Giants (Colorado Avalanche, 1-4), and Dylan Cozens of the Lethbridge Hurricanes (Buffalo Sabres, 1-7). Returning forward Nolan Foote of the Kelowna Rockets (Tampa Bay Lightning, 1-27 – 2019) will add to the team’s strength at the forward position while a trio of 2018 NHL Draft selections, including Ty Smith of the Spokane Chiefs (New Jersey Devils, 1-17), Jett Woo of the Calgary Hitmen (Vancouver Canucks, 2-37), and Calen Addison of the Lethbridge Hurricanes (Pittsburgh Penguins, 2-53), will once again bolster the team’s blue line.
 
Team WHL will feature a strong Saskatchewan flavour, including Regina product Carson Focht of the Calgary Hitmen (Vancouver Canucks, 5-133 – 2019), Estevan product Cole Fonstad of the Everett Silvertips (Montreal Canadiens, 5-128 – 2018), Yorkton products Kaedan Korczak of the Kelowna Rockets (Vegas Golden Knights, 2-41 – 2019) and Nolan Maier of the Saskatoon Blades (NHL Draft Eligible, 2020). Finally, a trio of hometown stars join Team WHL, including Saskatoon products Adam Beckman of the Spokane Chiefs (Minnesota Wild, 3-75 – 2019) and Connor Zary of the Kamloops Blazers (NHL Draft Eligible, 2020), along with Prince Albert product Braden Schneider of the Brandon Wheat Kings (NHL Draft Eligible, 2020).
 
NHL Central Scouting identified both Schneider and Zary on its ‘Players to Watch’ list as top-ranked prospects for the 2020 NHL Draft.
 
Team WHL will face Team Russia in Game 5 of the 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series in Saskatoon on Wednesday, November 13, before continuing on to Prince Albert for Game 6 to conclude the series on Thursday, November 14. The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League will host Games 1 and 2, while the Ontario Hockey League will host Games 3 and 4. For the first time since 2013, the event will close with two games in the WHL.
 
Team WHL Roster:
Forwards

Player Name	Hometown	DOB	WHL Club	NHL Draft
Beckman, Adam	Saskatoon, Sask.	2001-05-10	Spokane Chiefs	MIN 2019 (3-75)
Burzan, Luka	Surrey, B.C.	2000-01-07	Brandon Wheat Kings	COL 2019 (6-171)
Chyzowski, Ryan	Kamloops, B.C.	2000-05-14	Medicine Hat Tigers	Eligible 2020
Cozens, Dylan	Whitehorse, Yukon	2001-02-09	Lethbridge Hurricanes	BUF 2019 (1-7)
Dach, Kirby	Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.	2001-01-21	Saskatoon Blades	CHI 2019 (1-3)
Focht, Carson	Regina, Sask.	2000-02-04	Calgary Hitmen	VAN 2019 (5-133)
Fonstad, Cole	Estevan, Sask.	2000-04-24	Everett Silvertips	MTL 2018 (5-128)
Foote, Nolan	Engelwood, Colo.	2000-11-29	Kelowna Rockets	TBL 2019 (1-27)
Hamaliuk, Dillon	Leduc, Alta.	2000-10-30	Kelowna Rockets	SJS 2019 (2-55)
Krebs, Peyton	Okotoks, Alta.	2001-01-26	Winnipeg ICE	VGK 2019 (1-17)
Tracey, Brayden	Calgary, Alta.	2001-05-28	Moose Jaw Warriors	ANA 2019 (1-29)
Zary, Connor	Saskatoon, Sask.	2001-09-25	Kamloops Blazers	Eligible 2020

Defenceman

Player Name	Hometown	DOB	WHL Club	NHL Draft
Addison, Calen	Brandon, Man.	2000-04-11	Lethbridge Hurricanes	PIT 2018 (2-53)
Byram, Bowen	Cranbrook, B.C.	2001-06-13	Vancouver Giants	COL 2019 (1-4)
Korczak, Kaedan	Yorkton, Sask.	2001-01-29	Kelowna Rockets	VGK 2019 (2-41)
Schneider, Braden	Prince Albert, Sask.	2001-09-20	Brandon Wheat Kings	Eligible 2020
Smith, Ty	Lloydminster, Alta.	2000-03-24	Spokane Chiefs	NJD 2018 (1-17)
Woo, Jett	Winnipeg, Man.	2000-07-27	Calgary Hitmen	VAN 2018 (2-37)

 
Goaltenders

Player Name	Hometown	DOB	WHL Club	NHL Draft
Hofer, Joel	Winnipeg, Man.	2000-07-30	Portland Winterhawks	STL 2018 (4-107)
Maier, Nolan	Yorkton, Sask.	2001-01-10	Saskatoon Blades	Eligible 2020

The 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series will represent the event’s return to both Saskatoon and Prince Albert. In 2005 and 2014, the event made an appearance in Saskatoon, while Prince Albert played host in 2008.

The six-game CIBC Canada Russia Series features regional league teams of Canadian National Junior Team candidates competing against the Russian National Junior Team. Team CHL has won 12 times in event history, with Russia emerging victorious on four occasions.

The 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series is supported by title sponsor CIBC, the Official Bank of the CHL, along with associate sponsors Kia Canada, Cooper Tires, and Kubota Canada.  All games will be broadcast nationally on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.

Tickets for Games 5 and 6 of the 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series are available now. Complete ticketing options available at the links below.

2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series Schedule
Game 1 – Monday, November 4 at Saint John, N.B.
Game 2 – Tuesday, November 5 at Moncton, N.B.
Game 3 – Thursday, November 7 at Kitchener, Ont.
Game 4 – Monday, November 11 at London, Ont.
Game 5 – Wednesday, November 13 at Saskatoon, Sask. – TICKETS
Game 6 – Thursday, November 14 at Prince Albert, Sask. – TICKETS

For event information, please visit http://chlcanadarussia.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2019

Calgary, Alta. – Hockey Canada announced its 66-player roster, including 16 players currently playing for or drafted by one of the Western Hockey League’s 22 member Clubs, to represent Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, November 2-9 in Medicine Hat, Alta. and Swift Current, Sask.

The 66 players will be divided into three teams representing Team Canada Black, Team Canada Red, and Team Canada White when they compete against the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Sweden, and the United States in their quest for a gold medal.

Featured among the 16 WHL players named to the roster are the top five selections from the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft – forwards Dylan Guenther (Edmonton, Alta. / Edmonton Oil Kings), Sean Tschigerl (Whitecourt, Alta. / Calgary Hitmen), Logan Stankoven (Kamloops, B.C. / Kamloops Blazers) and defencemen Carson Lambos (Winnipeg, Man. / Winnipeg ICE), Nolan Allan (Davidson, Sask. / Prince Albert Raiders).
 

Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	DOB	Hometown	WHL Club
Jayden Grubbe	F	6-2	189	2003-01-12	Calgary, Alta.	Red Deer Rebels
Dylan Guenther	F	6-0	167	2003-04-10	Edmonton, Alta.	Edmonton Oil Kings
Conner Roulette	F	5-10	158	2003-05-13	Winnipeg, Man.	Seattle Thunderbirds
Matthew Savoie	F	5-9	181	2004-01-01	St. Albert, Alta.	Winnipeg ICE
Cole Sillinger	F	5-11	185	2003-05-16	Regina, Sask.	Medicine Hat Tigers
Logan Stankoven	F	5-7	167	2003-02-26	Kamloops, B.C.	Kamloops Blazers
Sean Tschigerl	F	6-0	181	2003-04-11	Whitecourt, Alta.	Calgary Hitmen
Kai Uchacz	F	6-1	190	2003-06-24	De Winton, Alta.	Seattle Thunderbirds
Nolan Allan	D	6-1	188	2003-04-28	Davidson, Sask.	Prince Albert Raiders
Nolan Bentham	D	6-3	186	2003-06-12	Victoria, B.C.	Victoria Royals
Carson Lambos	D	6-0	204	2003-01-14	Winnipeg, Man.	Winnipeg ICE
Kyle Masters	D	5-11	159	2003-04-09	Edmonton, Alta.	Red Deer Rebels
Graham Sward	D	6-2	168	2003-09-12	Abbotsford, B.C.	Spokane Chiefs
Olen Zellweger	D	5-9	165	2003-09-10	Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.	Everett Silvertips
Tyler Brennan	G	6-3	193	2003-09-27	Winnipeg, Man.	Prince George Cougars
Thomas Milic	G	5-11	154	2003-04-14	Coquitlam, B.C.	Seattle Thunderbirds

In July, 112 players were invited to participate in Canada’s national under-17 development camp and introduced to the Hockey Canada Program of Excellence. The players chosen to represent Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge were selected by Brad McEwen (Whitewood, Sask.), head scout for Hockey Canada, with assistance from U17 Program of Excellence management group lead Martin Mondou (Grand-Mère, Que./Shawinigan, QMJHL), as well as regional scouts Rob Simpson (Ontario), Jason Smart (West), Darren Sutherland (Atlantic), Shaun Sutter (West) and Darrell Woodley (Ontario).

“After a successful development camp with the top young players in the country, there were many difficult decisions made to select the 66 players that will compete at this year’s World Under-17 Hockey Challenge,” McEwen said. “We feel this group exemplifies the values of the Program of Excellence and will represent Canada with pride as we compete for a gold medal this November.”

The tournament opens with all three Canadian teams in action Saturday, November 2 (7:00 p.m. MT); Team Canada Red takes on Russia at the Innovation Credit Union i-Plex in Swift Current and Team Canada Black faces off against Team Canada White at the Canalta Centre in Medicine Hat.

TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will air the semifinal in Medicine Hat on Friday, November 8, as well as the bronze and gold medal games on Saturday, November 9; please check local listings for details. Media accreditation for the 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge can be requested online.

Prior to the start of play, the teams will take to the ice for pre-tournament games on Thursday, October 31, (7 p.m. MT). Team Canada Black will match up against Finland at the Crescent Point Wickenheiser Centre in Shaunavon, Sask., Sweden will play the Czech Republic at the Centennial Regional Arena in Brooks, Alta., Team Canada White will face off against Russia at the Innovation Credit Union i-Plex in Swift Current and Team Canada Red will meet the United States at the Canalta Centre in Medicine Hat.

After a successful ticket launch, event organizers have announced that single-game tickets will be available for purchase starting at $10 for youth and $15 for adults on October 16, and can be purchased online at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets.

Medicine Hat and Swift Current will receive the net proceeds from all ticket sales as a legacy of the event to support grassroots hockey within their communities. Additionally, recent editions of the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge have resulted in as much as $6 million in economic impact within the host communities.

More than 1,800 NHL draft picks have suited up since the inception of the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge (previously known as the Quebec Esso Cup) in 1986, including 14 first-overall draft picks since 2001 (Ilya Kovalchuk, 2001; Rick Nash, 2002; Marc-André Fleury, 2003; Alexander Ovechkin, 2004; Erik Johnson, 2006; Patrick Kane, 2007; John Tavares, 2009; Taylor Hall, 2010, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, 2011; Nathan MacKinnon, 2013; Aaron Ekblad, 2014; Connor McDavid, 2015; Auston Matthews, 2016; Jack Hughes, 2019).

For more information on the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Western Hockey League
Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 22 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and five in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 350 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.