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Team Canada East, Team Canada West finalize rosters for 2017 World Junior A Challenge

Nine players making repeat appearances for Canada at international junior A showcase

NR.103.17
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December 05, 2017

CALGARY, Alta. – The rosters for Team Canada East and Team Canada West are set for the 2017 World Junior A Challenge in Truro, N.S., Dec. 10-16.

Of the 22 players selected to represent Team Canada East following a four-day selection camp in Etobicoke, Ont., which wrapped up Tuesday, five (F. Evans, Girduckis, Johnston, McBain, Theocharidis) were part of the team that captured silver last year.

On Team Canada West, four players (Gaber, Johnston, Turnbull, Tychonick) return to the line-up – including Carter Turnbull (Nanaimo, B.C./Powell River, BCHL), who will make his third appearance. The players were selected from among 60 who attended the Calgary selection camp.

“We’ve seen some great Canadian hockey talent over the four days of camps, and both teams had difficult decisions to make to pare it down to 22 players per roster,” said Brent Ladds, president of the Canadian Junior Hockey League. “This will be a great event, and the two teams will make Canadians very proud.”

The 2017 World Junior A Challenge is presented by Hockey Canada, the CJHL and Hockey Nova Scotia, in partnership with NHL Central Scouting.

Team Canada East will open the tournament against Russia in prime time on Sunday, Dec. 10, when the World Junior A Challenge returns to Atlantic Canada. Team Canada West will open its tournament against the Czech Republic at 3:30 p.m. AT on Dec. 10.

The RECC in Truro will also host two pre-tournament games on Friday, Dec. 8. At 3:30 p.m. AT, the Czech Republic will take on the Truro Bearcats, while Team Canada East will play Team USA at 7:30 p.m. that same evening. Team Canada West and Russia will travel to nearby Amherst for a 7:30 p.m. pre-tournament game on Dec. 8.

The World Junior A Challenge is made possible thanks to the partnership between Hockey Canada, the CJHL and NHL Central Scouting, and features two Canadian teams, representing East and West, as well as four international teams vying for a gold medal. Nine of the 11 gold-medal games at the World Junior A Challenge have featured at least one Canadian team. Team Canada West won gold at the first two tournaments, in 2006 and 2007, and also took home gold in 2011 and 2015. The team also won silver medals in 2008, 2009, and 2012, as well as bronze in 2013. Team Canada East won silver medals in 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2016, as well as claiming the bronze medal in 2008.

For more information on the World Junior A Challenge, visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media at Facebook or Twitter.

Rosters announced for Junior A World Challenge selection camp

60 hopefuls vie for a spot on Canada East and Canada West rosters

NR.084.24
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November 28, 2024

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced the 60 players from the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) who have earned invitations to Canada East and Canada West selection camp in advance of the 2024 Junior A World Challenge.

Beginning Dec.3, the invitees will gather in Calgary to participate in practices and play a pair of intrasquad games as part of the final evaluation process by management and coaching staffs.

The final East and West rosters will be named Dec. 5 in advance of the tournament, which runs from Dec. 9-15 in Camrose, Alberta.

The Canada East roster will be selected from the CJHL’s five eastern leagues: the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL), Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), Ligue de hockey junior AAA du Québec (LHJAAAQ) and Maritime Hockey League (MHL). Canada West will include players from the four western leagues: the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) and Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL).

“This is the first time since 2022 we are taking the opportunity to hold a camp before naming our teams for the Junior A World Challenge,” said Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations. “In partnership with the CJHL, we have identified the top 60 Junior A players in the country. We expect a competitive three days before we narrow our rosters down to the two teams that will proudly represent Canada in Camrose.”

Ahead of the tournament, the Canadian teams will play a pair of pre-tournament games on Dec. 7. Canada East will face off against Sweden at the Drumheller Memorial Arena at 3 p.m. MT, while Canada West will play the United States at 4:30 p.m. MT at Co-Op Place in Wetaskiwin.

The puck drops on the tournament Dec. 9 when Canada East, the 2023 silver medallist, opens against the United States at 3 p.m. MT, followed by Canada West, the defending gold medallist, facing Sweden at 7:30 p.m. MT.

Of the 16 gold medal games at the Junior A World Challenge, 13 have featured at least one Canadian team. Canada East will look to earn its first gold medal, having won silver eight times (2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2023) and bronze once (2008), while Canada West has won gold six times (2006, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2023), silver three times (2008, 2009, 2012) and bronze twice (2013, 2018).

For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2024 Junior A World Challenge, please visit HockeyCanada.ca/WJAC, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

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Canadian coaches named for 2024 Junior A World Challenge

Bruce Richardson named head coach of Canada East; Mike Reagan returns as head coach of Canada West

NR.075.24
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November 06, 2024

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada, in consultation with the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), has announced the eight coaches tasked to lead Canada East and Canada West at the 2024 Junior A World Challenge, Dec. 9-15 in Camrose, Alberta.

Bruce Richardson (Montreal, QC/Valleyfield, LHJAAAQ) will lead Canada East as head coach, alongside assistants Andrew Campoli (Toronto, ON/Collingwood, OJHL) and Brandon Perry (Timmins, ON/Timmins, NOJHL), and video coach Mike Stinziani (Lorraine, QC/Montreal, LHJAAAQ). Mike Reagan (Flin Flon, MB/Flin Flon, SJHL) will retake the reins of Canada West, working with assistants Éric Labrosse (Wawa, ON/Northern Manitoba/MJHL) and Shawn Martin (Wainwright, AB/Whitecourt, AJHL), and video coach Carter Hansen (Craven, SK/Humboldt, SJHL).

Richardson assumed the role of general manager with the Valleyfield Braves in August, having served as head coach since January. He previously served as head coach of the Victoriaville Tigres (2014-16) and Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (2018-23) of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. Internationally, he won a gold medal as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship and added a bronze medal in 2023. He was also an assistant coach at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games. Richardson was head coach of Canada White at the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and served as an assistant coach with Canada Black at the tournament in November 2014.

Reagan is in his 19th season behind the bench as head coach for the Flin Flon Bombers of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), winning SJHL and CJHL coach of the year honours in 2023-24. Since 2013, he has also served as general manager. This will be Reagan’s fourth time representing Canada West at the Junior A World Challenge (2015, 2016, 2017), having won a gold medal as video coach in 2015 and head coach in 2017.

Hockey Canada also announced that Marc Gagnon (Powassan, ON/Espanola, NOJHL) will serve as director of operations for Canada East, while Nigel Dube (Lampman, SK/Lloydminster, AJHL) will return to the role for Canada West after helping win a gold medal in 2023.

“We are thrilled with the coaches that will lead our Canadian teams at the 2024 Junior A World Challenge,” said Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations. “Each of them is highly skilled and bring their own experience to their roles. We look forward to watching them put two competitive teams on the ice in Camrose in December.”

“We congratulate the coaches on their selections to the respective staffs of Canada East and Canada West,” said CJHL president Andy Harkness. “The opportunity to represent your country at a prestigious international hockey event such as the Junior A World Challenge is something they will truly relish.”

Fans looking to secure their seat to watch the Junior A World Challenge can choose from a variety of ticket options at HockeyCanada.ca/WJAC, with full-event ticket packages starting at $140, including fees. Mini-packages for the preliminary round and medal round are also available.

The tournament features a four-team format, with Sweden and the United States joining the Canadian entries.

TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast the bronze and gold medal games; check local listings for details.

Of the 16 gold medal games at the Junior A World Challenge, 13 have featured at least one Canadian team. Canada East will look to earn its first gold medal, having won silver eight times (2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2023) and bronze once (2008), while Canada West has won gold six times (2006, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2023), silver three times (2008, 2009, 2012) and bronze twice (2013, 2018).

For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2024 Junior A World Challenge, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

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Schedule announced for 2024 Junior A World Challenge

Canada East, Canada West, Sweden, United States to face off in Camrose, Alberta

NR.065.24
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September 27, 2024

CAMROSE, Alberta – Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), Hockey Alberta, NHL Central Scouting and the local organizing committee, has announced the tournament format and schedule for the 2024 Junior A World Challenge.

The tournament, set for Dec. 9-15 at Encana Arena in Camrose, Alberta, will feature a four-team format this season. Canada East, Canada West, Sweden and the United States will each play three preliminary-round games over the first four days of tournament action to determine seeding for the semifinals on Dec. 14, while the bronze medal and gold medal games are set for at 1 p.m. MT and 5 p.m. MT, respectively, on Dec. 15.

Canada East, which claimed silver in 2023, will kick off the tournament against the United States on Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. MT, followed by last year’s gold medalist, Canada West, matching up against Sweden to close out opening day at 7:30 p.m. MT.

In addition, two Alberta communities will welcome pre-tournament games ahead of the 2024 Junior A World Challenge, with Drumheller and Wetaskiwin set to play host on Dec. 7. Canada East will face off against Sweden at the Drumheller Memorial Arena at 3 p.m. MT, while Canada West will play the United States at 4:30 p.m. MT at Co-Op Place in Wetaskiwin.

“Top talent from Canada, Sweden and the United States is set to descend on Camrose in December, and we are thrilled to unveil the schedule for the Junior A World Challenge and continue to generate excitement among hockey fans, volunteers, partners and the community alike,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact with Hockey Canada. “We look forward to leaving a lasting legacy in Camrose, Drumheller and Wetaskiwin, and we know fans in those three communities are going to be treated to exciting, high-quality hockey in just over two months.”

Canada East will consist of players from the five eastern leagues in the CJHL - the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL), Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), Ligue de hockey junior AAA du Québec (LHJAAAQ) and Maritime Hockey League (MHL) – while Canada West will be comprised of players from the four western leagues – the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) and Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL).

Fans looking to secure their seat for the 2024 Junior A World Challenge can purchase a full-event ticket packages for $140, including fees, at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets. The package includes one ticket to all six preliminary-round games, both semifinals and the medal games.

TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast the gold medal game on Dec. 15; please check local listings for details.

Of the 16 gold medal games at the Junior A World Challenge, 13 have featured at least one Canadian team. Canada East will look to earn its first gold medal, having won silver eight times (2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2023) and bronze once (2008), while Canada West has won gold six times (2006, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2023), silver three times (2008, 2009, 2012) and bronze twice (2013, 2018).

For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2024 Junior A World Challenge, please visit HockeyCanada.ca/WJAC, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

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Schedules announced for three fall events

Tickets for U17 World Challenge, U18 Women’s National Championship, Junior A World Challenge, Para Cup available now

NR.059.24
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September 10, 2024

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has unveiled the schedules and ticket package details for the 2024 editions of the U17 World Challenge, U18 Women’s National Championship and Para Cup.

In addition, Hockey Canada has also announced that tickets are now on sale for the 2024 Junior A World Challenge, which is set to take place at Encana Arena in Camrose, Alberta, from Dec. 9-15, in partnership with the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) and National Hockey League (NHL). The schedule and format for this year’s event will be announced at a later date.

“The unveiling of the schedules and ticket packages for our fall events is an exciting milestone, as the anticipation for the puck to drop continues to build while allowing fans and community members to plan their involvement in world-class events across the country,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact for Hockey Canada. “Hosting major events is not possible without the commitment and passion of these great communities, and we are grateful for the community leaders, volunteers, partners and our Members who make these events possible.”

The U17 World Challenge returns as a six-team format for the second-straight year, with Sarnia, Ontario, hosting at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena from Nov. 3-9. The teams — Canada Red, Canada White, Czechia, Finland, Sweden and the United States — will be split into two groups and will each play two preliminary-round games before the medal round. The event will also feature pre-tournament games in Sarnia, Petrolia and Forest on Nov. 1.

For the first time in the tournament’s history, the U18 Women’s National Championship will be held in Atlantic Canada. Eight teams consisting of the top under-18 players in Canada — Alberta, Atlantic, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario Blue, Ontario Red, Québec and Saskatchewan —will descend on the qplex in Quispamsis, New Brunswick, from Nov. 3-9.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of ParaSport and Recreation PEI, the Para Cup returns to the East Coast for the second straight year (2023 in Quispamsis, New Brunswick), with Canada’s National Para Hockey Team looking to secure its second-straight gold medal in international competition at the Bell Aliant Centre in Charlottetown, P.E.I. Canada will compete against China, Czechia and the United States from Dec. 8-14.

Full-event ticket packages for the U17 World Challenge, U18 Women’s National Championship, Para Cup and Junior A World Challenge are on sale now and can be purchased at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets.

Fans that purchase a full-event ticket package to any fall event before Sept. 20 will be entered into a contest to win a 2025 World Juniors prize package. The prize package includes two tickets to both semifinals and the medal games, at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa, as well as hotel accommodations for two nights and two $100 Hockey Canada merchandise vouchers.

Hockey Canada and the local organizing committees of its fall events are currently looking to fill several volunteer positions for all four events. Individuals that are interested in creating a world-class experience for players and fans alike are encouraged to CLICK HERE to learn more about Hockey Canada’s volunteer program or visit the individual event pages to apply now.

TSN and RDS, the official broadcasters of Hockey Canada, will air select tournament games, with broadcast details to be announced at a later date.

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

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Camrose to host 2024 Junior A World Challenge

Annual Junior A showcase returns to Camrose for the first time since 2008

NR.054.24
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August 09, 2024

CAMROSE, Alberta – The Junior A World Challenge, an international showcase of some of the best young hockey talent from around the world, will return to Camrose for the first time since 2008 when Encana Arena plays host from Dec. 9-15.

The 2024 Junior A World Challenge represents a partnership between Hockey Canada, the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), Hockey Alberta, NHL Central Scouting and the local organizing committee. 

“Hosting a prestigious tournament like the Junior A World Challenge fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment. We know our community will come together, support the event and create an exciting atmosphere for fans and teams,” said tournament co-chair Boris Rybalka, who coached Canada West when Camrose hosted in 2008, and won gold at the first two editions of the tournament in 2006 and 2007.

“We are grateful to the volunteers, fans, scouts and sponsors for supporting the tournament and are grateful to Hockey Canada for entrusting us to host this event,” added co-chair Ken Duggan.

The Junior A World Challenge has historically had an economic impact of over $3 million to host communities.

“Communities across Alberta have proven to be excellent hosts for multiple Hockey Canada events and we know Camrose will carry on that tradition with the 2024 Junior A World Challenge,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact with Hockey Canada. “We look forward to welcoming teams and fans in our return to Camrose, and leaving a lasting legacy while also fostering the growth and support of hockey in the region.” 

Since the event’s inception in 2006, more than 300 NHL draft picks have played in the tournament, including 45 first-round selections – a list that includes Brock Boeser, Kyle Connor, Nikolaj Ehlers, Dylan Holloway, Elias Lindholm, David Pastrnak, Jaden Schwartz, Vladimir Tarasenko and Andrei Vasilevski.

The official tournament schedule and ticket information will be announced at a later date.

For more information on the Junior A World Challenge, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook or X and Instagram.

 

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Kevin Doig
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December 20, 2023
QUISPAMSIS, New Brunswick – Canada’s National Para Hockey Team earned silver at the 2023 Para Hockey Cup, coming up short against the United States 3-0 in the gold medal game on Saturday night in Quispamsis.

Declan Farmer had a goal and an assist, finishing with eight goals and 16 points to lead the tournament in both categories. Jen Lee made 13 saves and finished the tournament with three shutouts in three games played, tying the record with zero goals against.

The Americans finished the tournament undefeated, setting a tournament record for least goals against, conceding just one goal over five games.

Adam Kingsmill (Smithers, BC) turned in a stellar performance for Canada, making 10 saves as the teams finished with 13 shots apiece.

“Our team turned the page, becoming a bit more of the team we want to be. We did a great job all week of playing our style. We got away from it a bit early on, but as the night went on, we got more and more into our game,” Adam Dixon (Midland, ON) said. “We had a great time here in New Brunswick, being able to play in front of our Canadian fans.”

Canada finished the tournament with a record of 3-2, only dropping games to its cross-border rival.

Tyler McGregor (Forest, ON) and Dominic Cozzolino (Mississauga, ON) finished the tournament with 10 points each, tied for third in tournament standings.

“We lived up to the type of identity we are trying to build. We gave the Americans two early looks to the wrong players and they made us pay for it,” Canada’s head coach Russ Herrington (Unionville, ON) said. “We showed a ton of resilience and ultimately, we made it very difficult for our opponent tonight. It was a great hockey game between two excellent teams, and I think that most people in the building tonight would agree that we put on a show for them.”

Czechia defeats China to win bronze for second-straight year

Earlier in the day, Czechia captured its second consecutive bronze medal with its first win of the tournament, a 4-1 victory over China. Martin Žižlavský led the way for the Czechs with a goal and two assists.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Para Hockey Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on FacebookX and Instagram, and by using #ParaHockeyCup.
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Team Canada West wins gold medal at 2023 World Junior A Hockey Challenge

Team Canada East gets silver medal; United States wins bronze

NR.097.23
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December 18, 2023

TRURO, Nova Scotia – For the first time since 2017, Team Canada West has won the gold medal at the World Junior A Hockey Challenge, claiming its sixth gold with a 7-2 win over Team Canada East on Sunday at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre.

Jack Silverberg (Sherwood Park, AB/Okotoks, AJHL) opened the scoring 1:10 into the game, setting the table for a seven-goal outburst from Canada West, the most goals scored in the gold medal game since the United States scored seven in 2008.

Ronan Buckberger (Saskatoon, SK/Nipawin, SJHL) and Matthew Van Blaricom (Southey, SK/Humboldt, SJHL) each scored twice, while Erick Roest (Lethbridge, AB/Sherwood Park, AJHL) turned aside 30 shots for the win.

“This win today truly shows the character of this team,” said Canada West head coach Scott Barney (Oshawa, ON/Humboldt, SJHL). “We had a tough start to this tournament, but we had some deep heart-to-heart conversations with the players and staff and we got everyone pulling on the same rope. Guys bought in to the right way to play and this is a great feeling.”

Canada West snuck into the playoff round with only a single win in the preliminary round, before stunning the undefeated United States in overtime in Saturday’s semifinals.

Jack Silverberg (Sherwood Park, AB/Okotoks, AJHL), Nathan Brown (Winnipeg, MB/Niverville, MJHL) and Layne Loomer (Lethbridge, AB/Blackfalds, AJHL) rounded out the scoring for Canada West.           

“This is an amazing feeling,” said Van Blaricom. “It is hard to believe really with how we started this tournament, but it’s truly crazy how far we came as a team to get to this point. When you look around that [dressing] room, we knew we had a tough road to get here, but all we needed was a chance and we made it count.”

Trevor Hoskin (Bellville, ON/Cobourg, OJHL) and Vincent Gauthier (St-Zotique, QC/Valleyfield, LHJAAAQ) scored for Canada East, which collected its eighth silver medal.

Full gold medal game stats are available HERE on the Hockey Canada website.

Earlier Sunday, the United States earned its fourth bronze medal with an 8-5 win over Sweden. Trevor Connelly scored four goals, including a hat trick in the first period, to power the U.S. to victory. Connelly because just the third player to score four goals in a game at the tournament, joining Kyle Turris (2006) and Ty Daneault (2022).

For more information on the 2023 World Junior A Hockey Challenge, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on InstagramFacebook or X.

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Canada East’s Simon Mullen at the 2023 World Junior A Hockey Challenge.

Truro born, Truro raised, Truro proud

From U7 hockey to the Truro Bearcats to Team Canada East, Simon Mullen is representing his hometown at the 2023 World Junior A Hockey Challenge

Jonathan Yue
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December 12, 2023

He’ll wear the Maple Leaf for the first time this week, but Simon Mullen is no stranger to the World Junior A Hockey Challenge.

“When I was in my second year of [U13], I volunteered with my brother Owen and his [U15] team as part of the ice crew for the tournament in 2017,” Mullen recalls. “It was a huge experience for me, especially at that young age. I would look up and see these junior guys and think they’re so much older and see how good they are, and now here I am in that position.”

Mullen is the lone local product to crack the Team Canada East lineup for the 2023 edition of the tournament, and just the second Bearcat ever – joining Stephen Horyl, who had a goal and four points in four games to help East to silver in 2008.

But unlike Horyl, who came to the Maritime Hockey League (MHL) team by way of River Ryan, Nova Scotia, Mullen is Truro through and through – a born and raised product of the community, on and off the ice.



From learning to skate at the local Deuville’s Rink to his first years of U7 hockey with the Truro and Area Minor Hockey Association, the 18-year-old has spent all but one year of his career at home – he played the 2020-21 season with the Pictou County Majors of the Nova Scotia U18 Major Hockey League.

“Truro is a special place,” the defenceman says. “I’ve played every single year of hockey here except one, so to have a chance to play at an international level, this is special.”

Never one known for his offensive contributions from the blue line, Mullen has instead focused on work ethic and playing the right way in his own zone. But the offence has started to come this season – his 20 points (1-19—20) in 23 games are as many as he had in 82 games combined in his first two seasons with the Bearcats.

He also played his 100th MHL game a few weeks ago, becoming the youngest defenceman in Bearcats history to reach the century mark.

His improvement is most evident to the ones who have seen his career evolve.

“He has a quiet confidence in him that allows him to be proud of what he’s accomplishing,” says Ainsley Mullen, Simon’s mother. “The fact that he’s chosen to stay home is an added feather in the cap and shows that he’s proud to be from here and represent the Bearcats. This full-circle opportunity to represent Team Canada in Truro is a pat on his back for that commitment to play at such a high level while staying in Truro.”

Despite getting that taste of international hockey six years ago, when he had a front-row seat to Team Canada West claiming its most recent World Junior A Challenge gold medal at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre, Mullen wasn’t sure where hockey would take him.

It wasn’t until his rookie season with the Bearcats in 2021-22 that everything truly began to fall into place.

“In my 16-year-old year, I didn’t have many goals or expectations, but I ended up playing a lot of games around really good coaches and leaders and they led the way for me,” Mullen recalls of helping Truro reach the MHL final. “Now as I’m older, I want to bring those habits and work ethic into my game now and work with the younger guys and in the community.”

Talking to Mullen, there’s that one word that keeps coming up – community. He knows he wouldn’t be where he is without the people around him, and he has never hesitated to give back to a town that has long been behind him.

He volunteers his time alongside his Bearcats teammates with local minor hockey programs during the season, and pays it forward in the summer when he’s not working at the local golf course.

But there’s no better way to say thank you to Truro than by giving his all during the World Junior A Hockey Challenge, and hopefully adding a gold medal – which would be the first ever for Team Canada East.

“There’s no words to explain the moment I step on the ice with Canada here,” Mullen says. “Seeing all the kids with the signs and looking down at the logo on the jersey, it’s just something you dream of. I’m going to do my best out there and hopefully open some eyes.”

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Canada East and Canada West rosters named for 2023 World Junior A Hockey Challenge

44 players named to Canadian entries for return of international event to Truro

NR.089.23
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December 01, 2023

CALGARY, Alberta – Team Canada East and Team Canada West have announced their final rosters ahead of the 2023 World Junior A Hockey Challenge, and 44 of the top Junior A players in Canada will wear the Maple Leaf in Truro, Nova Scotia, Dec. 10-17 .

The players named to Canada East were selected from the five eastern leagues in the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) - the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL), Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), Ligue de hockey junior AAA du Québec (LHJAAAQ) and Maritime Hockey League (MHL). Canada West selected its players from CJHL’s four western leagues - the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) and Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL).

Canada East’s 22-player roster was selected by head coach Billy McGuigan (Summerside, PE/Summerside, MHL) , alongside director of operations Chris Vanstone (Mississauga, ON/Ontario Junior Hockey League) . Assistant coaches Peter Goulet (Kingston, ON/Powassan, NOJHL) , Derek Smith (Belleville, ON/Trenton, OJHL) and Josh Hardiman (Montréal, QC/Powassan, NOJHL) also provided input.

“We feel the team we have assembled gives us an excellent opportunity to be competitive every game,” said Canada East head coach Billy McGuigan, “There is a tremendous amount of talent across this country and narrowing it down to two teams of twenty-two players is no easy task. Our staff and this group of players is eager to play for a gold medal on the world stage in Atlantic Canada.”

Canada West’s 22-player roster was selected by head coach Scott Barney (Oshawa, ON/Humboldt, SJHL) and director of operations Nigel Dube (Lampman, SK/Lloydminster, AJHL) , alongside assistant coaches Alex Mandolidis (Calgary, AB/Winnipeg, MJHL), Kelvin Cech (Edmonton, AB/Niverville, MJHL), and video coach Bryan Arneson (Sherwood Park, AB/Canmore, AJHL).

“Our staff has done a great job of identifying the top players in Western Canada,” said Canada West head coach Scott Barney, “We are excited to get to Nova Scotia and compete against the world. This is an amazing opportunity for these young men and something we as a staff want to reiterate every day. It is not every day you get to wear the maple leaf so take advantage of it, enjoy it, and play the game that got you here.”

In addition to the 44 players, the support staff that will work with Canada East and Canada West at the World Junior A Hockey Challenge have been announced.

  • Athletic therapist Leah Toffelmire (Treton, ON/Trenton, OJHL)
  • Athletic therapist / Equipment manager Samantha Delsing (Cochrane, AB/Drumheller, AJHL)
  • Physiotherapist Justin Giesbrecht (Niverville, MB/Niverville, MJHL)
  • Physiotherapist / Equipment manager Caitlin McCuaig (Frankford, ON/Wellington, OJHL
  • Equipment managers Carmelo Pugliese (Ottawa, ON/Ottawa, CCJHL) and Jason Savill (Leduc, AB/Flin Flon, SJHL)

Canada West will kick off the 2023 World Junior A Hockey Challenge against Sweden on Dec. 10 at 3:30 p.m. AT, followed by Canada East facing off against Slovakia at 7:30 p.m. AT. The top four teams will advance to the playoff round, with the medal games taking place at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. AT on Dec. 17.

TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast the gold medal game. All preliminary-round games, both semifinals and the bronze medal game will be livestreamed at HockeyCanada.ca .

The 2023 World Junior A Hockey Challenge represents a partnership between Hockey Canada, the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), Hockey Nova Scotia, NHL Central Scouting and the local organizing committee. The five-team format includes Team Canada East, Team Canada West, Slovakia, Sweden and the United States.

Full-event ticket packages for the 2023 World Junior A Hockey Challenge are now available for $192 and can be purchased at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets . The package includes one ticket to all 14 games, including both medal games.

For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2023 World Junior A Hockey Challenge, please visit HockeyCanada.ca , or follow along via social media on Facebook , X and Instagram .

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Memories of Truro

Before the World Junior A Challenge returns to Nova Scotia, members of gold medal-winning Canada West take a look back at their 2017 triumph

Jonathan Yue
|
November 20, 2023

From Zack Rose’s dominant performances between the pipes to Dylan Holloway’s international impact as a 16-year-old and Jacob Bernard-Docker’s steady confidence on the blue line, there are plenty of memorable moments from the last time the World Junior A Hockey Challenge came to Truro, Nova Scotia, in 2017.

The trio played key roles in leading Canada West to the gold medal, and the experience on the East Coast has stayed with them as they’ve moved on in their hockey journeys.

Rose – who earned MVP honours in 2017 – is in his fifth year of NCAA eligibility with Augustana University, having fashioned a 20-10-4 record in the college games; Holloway went 14th overall to the Edmonton Oilers in the 2020 NHL Draft; and Bernard-Docker was the 26th pick by the Ottawa Senators in 2018.

But what ended up as a golden moment for Canada West didn’t start very well at all; losses to Czechia and the United States left the westerners 0-2 in preliminary-round play and needing to find their game with the playoff round looming.

“We had a rocky start, but we figured things out after the round robin,” Bernard-Docker says. “Having that necessary step of losing those first two games, the team came together as a tight knit group and had fun, really enjoyed the home crowd and turned it around.”




The winless prelims set up an all-Canadian matchup in the quarterfinals against Canada East. West got off to a strong start, with Holloway finding captain Carter Turnbull in the slot to open the scoring six minutes into the game before Bernard-Docker joined the offence 67 seconds into the second period when his his centre-ice dump took a bounce off the end boards and past Canada East goaltender Jett Alexander.

Canada East wouldn’t back down, taking the lead in the third period when Nick Campoli and Jack McBain (a 2022 Olympian) gave it a 3-2 advantage, but Ross Armour tied the game with 6:31 left in regulation before scoring the overtime winner 42 seconds into the extra period to second West on to the semifinals.

The semifinal proved that Canada West was getting better as the games got more important, as it avenged its prelim loss by defeating the Czechs 5-1 . The game was a goaltending battle early, with Rose and Milan Kloucek combining to stop 36 of 37 shots through 40 minutes.

Zdenek Sendek tied things midway through the third period, but Angus Crookshank restored the West advantage 41 seconds after that, and Holloway, Brett Stapley and Brendan Budy helped the Canadians pull away late.

The semifinal success set up a gold medal game showdown against the United States, which had claimed four of the previous five tournament titles.

“The rivalry between U.S and Canada, nothing compares to that rivalry, and that’s something you dream of being in as a kid,” Rose says. “To be a part of that and dominate against them, it speaks to the talent we had on that roster and the leadership of the coaching staff. To come out on top, we played one game at a time and we didn’t look back once we had the opportunity in front of us.”



Brendan Budy got the festivities started with a shorthanded marker midway through the first period, and Crookshank and Corey Andonovski pushed the Canadian advantage to 3-0 by the 12:15 mark of the second. The Americans got one back before the intermission, but Armour and Holloway capped the scoring and finish off a 5-1 victory .

Rose saved his best for the playoff round; he stopped 79 of 84 (a .940 save percentage) in wins over East, the Czechs and Americans, capped by a spectacular 35-save effort in the gold medal game, where West was outshot 36-19.

“The experience was electric throughout the time in Truro, and especially for the final game against the U.S,” Holloway says. “It was my first time in the Maritimes, the crowd was packed, everyone was cheering for us. To play the way I did, it was an honour to play for Canada and put me on the radar with all the eyes that come to the tournament.”

Bernard-Docker adds, “At that point, I just wanted to improve and get better after my first year with Okotoks [in the AJHL] and prepare myself the best I could for college. That tournament put me on the map and helped me gain confidence, realizing I could play with the best players around.”

Rose is forever grateful for the opportunity to represent his country. Offering his advice for those playing in the tournament, he hopes players take time to soak in the whole experience.

“For most people, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Rose says. “Take in every moment because it’s so special to play for Canada. Beyond that, I was a player who didn’t have a [college] commitment going into that tournament, but playing a few good games turned that around and I got offered a scholarship to go to Bowling Green and I gained the confidence and the lessons from the coaching staff to play at that level.”

The World Junior A Hockey Challenge continues to be a tournament that sets a foundation for a lucky few Junior A players across the country. Not only do players gain experience, but they have memories to cherish for a lifetime.

“Thinking of all the history with that logo on your chest, nothing can beat it,” Rose says. “Being able to represent millions of Canadians on the world stage, there is no better hockey country than Canada, and to be able to be one of the lucky people to wear that jersey, there is no better feeling. It gives me chills just thinking back to it.”

The 2023 World Junior A Hockey Challenge gets underway Dec. 10 at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre. Looking to be part of the festivities in Truro? Tickets are now on sale at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets .

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For more information:

Esther Madziya
Manager, Communications
Hockey Canada

(403) 284-6484 

[email protected] 

Spencer Sharkey
Manager, Communications
Hockey Canada

(403) 777-4567

[email protected]

Jeremy Knight
Manager, Corporate Communications
Hockey Canada

(647) 251-9738

[email protected]

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