Team East Player Features
HockeyCanada.ca takes a closer look at some of the players comprising Team Canada East.
BRYAN GILLIS - MJAHL
Last season at this time, Bryan Gillis would have traded his yellow Bulldog crested jersey for the Team Canada crested jersey.
This season Gillis has slid that Team Canada jersey over head and is the man between the pipes for Team East at the 2007 World Junior A Challenge in Trail and Nelson, B.C.
“I kinda dreamed of playing in it because I followed it last year, and once I found out I made it, it was really cool,” said the nineteen year old puckstopper.
Gillis was named the number one goaltender after splitting time with teammate Kori Coelho (OPJHL, Couchiching) in the two exhibition games prior to the WJAC.
Team East and Gillis split their two preliminary games. A won over Belarus 4-1 in the opener and a 3-2 loss to Team USA 3-2 on Wednesday set up a quarterfinal game versus Team Germany Thursday night. Team East was able to rally and score three goals in the third period to get the win.
When asked about the hockey experience with three games between the pipes at the WJAC, Gillis said, “It’s more than I thought it would be like, it’s fun but at the same time I’m really nervous.”
Gillis says the cause of the butterflies are the intense level of hockey and his enormous desire to win.
“The whole way you approach games when you play for your country is a bit different,” said the Lantz, NS homegrown boy.
The adjustment as a team and having 22 of the best players from different league come together has seemed quite easy according to Gillis.
“We’ve gelled pretty fast,” said the six-foot goaltender.
Team East has taken part in a couple different activities that has helped the transition, but Gillis singled out the visit to Rosemount Elementary school in Nelson, BC as the best one.
“It was cool to see there eyes light up when you talk to them with the Canada jersey on,” said Gillis.
Gillis says it has been great how the community of Nelson has supported his team. The show of support has come from the large crowds filling the arena and cheering. But Gillis is very impressed by the creative posters given to the team by the elementary kids. The posters are taped to the wall just outside the dressing room in the Nelson and District Community Complex.
ADAM BRACE - CJHL
For young men who continue their hockey careers at a high level into their late teens and early twenties, the opportunity to wear the Team Canada crest is a special one.
Adam Brace of the Pembroke Lumber Kings of the CJHL, who had never played against international competition before, hopes to represent his league and his country well this week at the World Junior A Challenge.
“Once you throw the Canada jersey on, it is easy to play,” said the Team East forward.
Brace says the transition made by the 22 individuals to becoming one team over the last five days has been pretty easy because of their common objective.
“We’ve gelled well together in the little time we’ve known each other,” said the 19-year-old.
Brace attributes the team’s cohesiveness to the coaching staff of (Jerome) Dupont, (Troy) Ryan, and (Mark) Grady. The coaching staff created activities to help the team members get to know each other and have some fun.
Brace talked about the team photo scavenger hunt around the city of Nelson.
“It was good fun,” said Brace.
The team was divided into groups of five or six, and tasked with collecting a list of pictures of specific things in and around Nelson. This also got the people of Nelson involved and gave them the opportunity to meet the Canada East players.
That has helped with the support of the team. The Nelson and District Community Complex has played host to near capacity crowds for Canada East’s games at the WJAC.
“It’s nice to see all the fans at the game and support us,” said Brace.
Team East also gained a lot of support when they visited Rosemount Elementary School and about 150 kids from grades one to six.
“It was nice to be noticed because I remember when I was that young, if anyone came, especially a Team Canada player, it was a big deal,” said Brace.
CHRIS KANGAS - NOJHL
When the time came for the Team East player selections, Chris Kangas was anticipating a call.
Kangas followed in the footsteps of his teammate Scott Levigne, who played in the 2006 World Junior A Challenge. Levigne returned to tell of the great experience at the event and Kangas grew more anxious to be a part of the challenge.
“I knew it was coming up and once I got the call, I was pretty excited to go,” said Kangas.
When the call came two weeks prior to the WJAC, Kangas knew he would be a part of something of a special experience. The experience comes in the form of playing at a new level of hockey.
“I find it to be really tight hockey, not much room to skate. You really have to work for the ice you get,” said the Team East forward.
The competition may be tight to play against, but so is the team, says Kangas. Team East has been active with team bonding to help make the transition to a new situation for these hockey players.
“We’re a big family here,” said Kangas.
The family is an extended one with Team East gaining the support of the community of Nelson and its’ hockey fans.
The team took a special trip to Rosemount Elementary school to visit some local grade one to six students.
Kangas said it was like being a celebrity for the day and recalled his days as a young Sudbury Wolves fan and how he was in awe of those hockey players when he was younger.
If it was possible to garner any more support for the community, the time spent with the local kids seemed to accomplish that.
“It’s great to have. It’s feels like being in your hometown, everybody here is cheering for Team Canada
East because they see us around town,” said the 18 year-old.
“We’re in the west but it’s not like that. It’s like we’re home.”
BRANDAN BURLON - OPHJL
One year ago, Brandon Burlon heard first hand about the World Junior A Challenge and knew he wanted to be a part of the experience the next year.
Burlon’s teammates Brendan Smith and Louie Caporusso from
St. Michael’s played for Team East in the 2006 WJAC. Smith and Caporusso were raving about the hockey and
experience, says Burlon.
“Once I found out (that I was going to be part of it), I was pretty ecstatic,” said Burlon.
Burlon knows now that his former teammates’ glowing review of the WJAC did not lead him astray. The caliber of hockey and the skill level of the players have been everything Burlon expected and more.
“Playing with guys that are as high caliber as you, everyone is fighting for that position, playing for that ice-time they want, getting that exposure they really want, being the best player on the team,” said the 17 year-old.
Burlon has thoroughly enjoyed the experience of playing against different hockey teams and different styles of hockey. Bulron remembers his first experience playing against an international team when he was thirteen. His Richmond Hill PeeWee Stars faced off against a Russian team.
“It’s kinda neat seeing the different styles and playing against them,” said the Team East defenceman.
Burlon and his teammates have not only had to adjust to the different styles of the teams that they are playing, but to each other. The team is made of 22 players from five divisions in the CJAHL. The transition has been very smooth, according to Burlon. Burlon credits the innovative activity of a photo scavenger hunt that the Team East coaching staff organized.
“Being out with the boys, going out on a limb, it brought our guard down and made us feel really comfortable with each other,” said Burlon.
That comfort also helped the players mingle and meet with locals, while out for this team bonding activity. And in turn the people of Nelson gave its’ full support to the team and the event.
“The town has really grown to love us,” said Burlon.
The full fledged adoption of the team has been an advantage for Team East, Burlon feels.
“It means a lot. We’re coming out here, which is somewhat foreign to us, but knowing that we got all the fans behind us and they are rooting for us, it really helps us a lot,” said the Nobleton, Ontario native.
ALEXANDRE FOURNIER - LHJAAAQ
Alexandre Fournier was surprised to find out he would be wearing the maple leaf for Team East at the 2007 World Junior A Challenge.
Fournier was at a training camp for the Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL, when he found he would be playing in Trail and Nelson, B.C.
“It was a very big surprise, it was just amazing, a very big surprise,” said Forunier stroking his buzz cut.
Forunier chose Granby over Shawinigan of the QMJHL for the pursuit of education route.
“My parents always say ‘I will do my life with school and not with the hockey,’ so my parents support my decision,” said the 17 year-old defenceman.
Fournier gets a lot of ice-time for his Junior A team, the Granby Inouks of the LHJAAAQ, which is a major reason for being named as one of the 22 members of Team East at the WJAC. Fournier had a bit of tough transition when he first arrived, but things have definitely got better.
“At the beginning it was tough now it is ok, we are winning and that is the important part,” said Fournier.
Fournier has become more comfortable and gained inspiration from the thousand or so fans that attend each game
“It’s kind of a boost, a lot of ‘rah-rah’ boosts me to play better,” said Fournier with a mock cheer of hand waving.
Fournier says that the crowd size and loud cheering in Nelson compares more than favorably with his hometown squad, Granby.
Three host communities announced for fall 2025 events
Quebec and Newfoundland & Labrador to host for first time; Nova Scotia hosts for a third
CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada and its Member partners – Hockey Nova Scotia, Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador, and Hockey Quebec - have announced the host communities and tournament dates for two of its international events – the 2025 U17 World Challenge and 2025 Junior A World Challenge, along with the U18 Women’s National Championship.
“Hockey Canada takes great pride in welcoming premier hockey events and hockey talent to communities across the country,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact with Hockey Canada. “From sponsors to volunteers, communities over the years have proven to be excellent hosts, ensuring lasting memories and legacy for all participants.”
The U17 World Challenge will return to Nova Scotia for a third time (and first since January 2014) when Truro plays host from Oct. 31-Nov. 8. The tournament is the first step in Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence and includes two Canadian teams and four international entries.
The U18 Women’s National Championship will be hosted in Newfoundland and Labrador for the first time when the City of Mount Pearl and Town of Conception Bay South welcome eight provincial and regional teams – Alberta, Atlantic, B.C., Manitoba, Ontario Blue, Ontario Red, Quebec and Saskatchewan – to compete for a national championship from Nov. 3-9.
The Junior A World Challenge will be hosted in Quebec for the first time, Dec. 7-13 in Trois-Rivières. An international showcase of some of the best young hockey talent, more than 300 NHL draft picks have played at the tournament since 2006, including 45 first-round draft picks.
Fans can stay up to date on schedules, ticket information and other promotions by signing up to become a Hockey Canada Insider.
For more information on Hockey Canada please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
Canada West wins Bronze at 2024 Junior A World Challenge
United States wins gold, Sweden takes home silver
CAMROSE, Alberta – Canada West earned its first win of the 2024 Junior A World Challenge on Sunday afternoon, a 5-2 victory over Canada East to win the bronze medal at the Camrose Recreation Centre. It is the third bronze and 12th medal overall for Canada West in tournament history.
“The guys grinded even though they could have quit, but they didn’t and that speaks to their character,” said Canada West head coach Mike Reagan (Flin Flon, MB/Flin Flon, MJHL). “A lot of people will look at the round-robin and wonder what happened, but at the end of the day I thought our guys played a heck of a game in the semifinal. The score (a 6-0 loss to Sweden) wasn’t indicative of the game, and today we showed up with our best effort. It just goes to show that if you stick with something, you can be rewarded. I’m extremely proud the guys and our staff.”
Canada West opened the scoring seven minutes into the first period when Ellis Mieyette (Lumsden, SK/Drumheller, AJHL) beat Canada East goaltender Noah Tegelaar (Georgetown, ON/Collingwood, OJHL).
East would tie the game on a goal from Parker Forlin (Niagara Falls, ON/Niagara Falls, OJHL) at 7:07 of the second period before Koen Senft (Regina, SK/Flin Flon, SJHL) scored twice in just over five minutes for a two-goal Canada West lead after 40 minutes.
Jack Plandowski (Halifax, NS/Calgary, AJHL) and Garrett Thom (Edmonton, AB/Camrose, AJHL) added third-period goals for West – sandwiched around an East marker from Cameron Menard (Carp, ON/Espanola, NOJHL) - to round out the scoring.
“It’s a great feeling even though we didn’t have the first couple of games that we wanted,” said Senft. “In the end, we came together; today we put together a full 60 minutes and it’s a great feeling in the room right now. We just knew that if we won today, it would erase the results of the week. We just had to simplify our game and stick with it.”
Canada East fell 3-2 to the United States in a hard-fought Saturday semifinalto set up Sunday’s all-Canadian bronze medal game.
“I think we just had no more gas left in the tank,” said Canada East head coach Bruce Richardson (Pincourt, QC/Valleyfield, LHJAAAQ). We gave it all yesterday; our mindset was all about fighting for a gold medal. We came up short in that goal and we had nothing left for today. The guys tried today, but their emotions were still down a bit from yesterday. I’m still proud of how they competed today and all week.”
A full game summary is available HERE.
In Sunday night’s gold medal game, the United States captured its 10th gold medal with a 7-4 win over Sweden. Will Zellers led the Americans with a pair of goals, while Lucas Van Vliet and Luke Osburn chipped in with a goal and an assist apiece. The U.S. now has 16 medals (10 gold, one silver, five bronze) at the Junior A World Challenge.
Following the game, the tournament all-star team was announced.
Goaltender: Caleb Heil (United States)
Defence: Zachary Deleau (Canada East)
Defence: Jacob Rombach (United States)
Forward: Eric Nilson (Sweden)
Forward: Ivar Stenberg (Sweden)
Forward: Lucas Van Vliet (United States)
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.
Canadian rosters named for 2024 Junior A World Challenge
Forty-four players to represent Canada East and Canada West in Camrose, Alberta
CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has named the 44 players from across the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) who will wear the Maple Leaf with Canada East and Canada West at the 2024 Junior A World Challenge, set for Dec. 9-15 in Camrose, Alberta.
Both teams were chosen following a three-day selection camp in Calgary that wrapped up Thursday.
The 22 players representing Canada East were 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).
The 22 players representing Canada West come from the 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).
“Anytime there is an opportunity to bring together the best Junior A players from across the Canadian Junior Hockey League, we know difficult decisions will have to be made,” said Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations. “We feel we have assembled two strong and competitive teams that will proudly represent Canada and compete for a gold medal.”
The communities of Drumheller and Wetaskiwin will host 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 at Encana Arena on 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.
Fans still looking to secure their seat for the 2024 Junior A World Challenge can purchase 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. Mini-packages for the preliminary round and medal round are also available.
TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast the bronze medal and gold medal games; check local listings for details.
All preliminary-round games and both semifinals will be available via Hockey Canada’s livestreaming partner at HNLive.ca.
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.
Rosters announced for Junior A World Challenge selection camp
60 hopefuls vie for a spot on Canada East and Canada West rosters
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.
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
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.
Schedule announced for 2024 Junior A World Challenge
Canada East, Canada West, Sweden, United States to face off in Camrose, Alberta
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.
Schedules announced for three fall events
Tickets for U17 World Challenge, U18 Women’s National Championship, Junior A World Challenge, Para Cup available now
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.
Camrose to host 2024 Junior A World Challenge
Annual Junior A showcase returns to Camrose for the first time since 2008
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.
Team Canada West wins gold medal at 2023 World Junior A Hockey Challenge
Team Canada East gets silver medal; United States wins bronze
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 Instagram, Facebook or X.
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
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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