The CHJL World Junior A Challenge selection camp Invitees have been announced.
60 players have been invited to attend and participate in intrasquad games and practices in Leduc, Alberta from December 5-8th in the hopes of making the final Team Canada West line up. The Terriers own forward Chase Brakel will be among them.
“Coaches from all five leagues representing Team Canada West assisted in identifying players which will make for a fast-paced, very competitive selection camp,” said Trevor Alto (White Rock, B.C./B.C. Hockey League), director of operations for Team Canada West. “The focus is on competition for the 22 roster spots; however, the staff is dedicated to providing each invitee every opportunity to not only put their best foot forward, but to also enjoy the opportunity to represent Team Canada West.”
Barry Wolff (Kelowna, B.C./Coquitlam, BCHL) returns to Team Canada West, this time as head coach, alongside fellow 2015 Team Canada West assistant coach Mike Reagan (Flin Flon, Man./Flin Flon, SJHL), Marc Berry (Birtle, Man./Dauphin, MJHL) and Rick Swan (Sherwood Park, Alta./Bonnyville, AJHL).
Team Canada West is selected from among the league’s five western Junior A leagues: the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), and Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL). – As/Hockey Canada Website.
Brakel is excited for a chance to crack the line-up. “I was just sitting at home when I got the call letting me know I was invited. I’m excited and honoured for the opportunity. I’m going to go out there and play my game, work hard and do my best to make this team.”
The 2016 World Junior A Challenge, made up of two Canadian teams and four international teams, will take place from December 11-17 in Bonnyville, Alberta.
Team Canada West are the defending champs having won the gold medal in 2015 with two Terrier Alumni on their roster, Brett Orr and Dean Stewart.
Also invited to camp from the MJHL are;
Darby Gula – Steinbach Pistons
Tyler Jubenville – Winkler Flyers
Ben Dalke – Virden Oil Capitals
Riese Gabor – Dauphin Kings
Mack Graham – Steinbach Pistons
Tyler Kirkup – Virden Oil Capitals
Will Koop – Steinbach Pistons