Portage local Reilly Funk is in good company as he is about the don the Maple Leaf as part of Team Canada West like Terrier alumni Brett Orr and Dean Stewart who won gold in 2015.
Funk and teammate Owen Murray took part in a three day selection camp that included three intrasquad games. Funk made the final roster of 22 players selected from the CJHL’s five western teams.
Fellow MJHL players F Matt Osadick of the Swan Valley Stampeders and G Matt Rodomsky of the Steinbach Pistons were also named.
“Whenever you gather the best players from five Junior A leagues, there is bound to be difficult decisions. We believe we have a strong group of talented players, and we look forward to the challenge of competing for a gold medal.” Kevin Saurette, director of operations for Team Canada West.
From December 9-16th, Team Canada East, Team Canada West, the Czech Republic, Russia and the United States will compete n 14 games over eight days in Bonnyville Alberta.
Funk talks about the experience. “It feels unbelievable to have made the team. Just getting an invite was really cool but now being able to put on the maple leaf is going to be something special. I’m looking forward to an unreal experience and we’re going to try and get that gold.”
Canada West kicks off the tournament December 9th against the United States at 7:00pm MT.