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January 04, 2006
U17 007
By Keith Borkowsky
REGINA — Players suiting up at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge know one thing before they step on
the ice.
There are few moments more special than pulling your national team’s jersey over your equipment, standing
at the blue line for the national anthems and representing a region, or country. It’s an honour even the most
accomplished players here know is bestowed upon a chosen few, even as they dress for their first
international competition.
“It’s been awesome and a true honour,” said Ontario forward John Tavares. “It’s something I will probably
never forget in my life. Hopefully one day I will get to represent my country, not only my province.”
Tavares doesn’t want the honour to stop at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. The 15-year-old Oshawa
Generals forward hopes to eventually don Canada’s colours for the Under-18 team and the Under-20 team
currently playing in British Columbia. Tavares said the atmosphere of an international event like this one
will prepare him for the challenges he will face chasing his ultimate dream.
“The lifestyle at the hotel, the way you eat, the way the game is played, the way you interact with your
teammates, the trainers and the travel, all of that affects the way you play (here),” Tavares said.
West captain Brett Leffler, who plays with the WHL Regina Pats, believes the experience will make him a
well-rounded hockey player.
“It’s different hockey and different refereeing,” Leffler said. “It’s a little adjustment, but I think
it’s about playing with different guys that you haven’t played with before, making new friends. It’s pretty
great honour to play for your country.”
Sam Gagner, Ontario’s captain, said competing in an international event gives him exposure to elite-level
hockey. The honour of wearing Canada’s jersey is one he doesn’t take lightly, and he is more aware of what
that privilege truly means after this week.
“You have to know every game counts. We got off to a slow start and it came back to hurt us. Just knowing
that for future tournaments will help,” Gagner said.
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