When the calendar flips from November to December, it signifies that the holiday season is just around the corner. In the minds of many hockey fans, it also means that the U20 World Junior Championship is right around the corner.
In just three weeks’ time, the Canadian junior men’s national team will look for its 18th gold medal since the event began in 1977. Along the road, Canada also has nine silver medals and five bronze.
Recently, Hockey Canada announced a list of 31 that will head to Ontario next week with a goal of wearing the Canadian crest on their chests later this month.
Included in that list is Brandon Wheat Kings defenceman, Braden Schneider. The 18-year-old from Prince Albert found out on Sunday that he will be one of 10 back-end players that will attend the camp.
It’s the first time that Braden will have the opportunity to crack the roster.
“I mean, that was one of my goals I had set out for this year. Being able to be in the category of guys that will attend the camp is pretty special,” said Schneider. “It’s a Christmas tradition that my family has always taken part in. Just to know I have this chance is overwhelming and extremely special.”
The defensive group that has been invited is certainly an elite one. Four of the invitees were selected in the top 26 in the 2019 NHL Draft. The list is headlined by Bowen Byram who was taken fourth overall.
There is no doubt that Braden will be going up against some stiff competition, but the confidence he continues to build has him feeling good.
“I think if I play the way I can play and play the role I know I’ll have, I have a decent chance of making the team for sure,” continued Schneider.
This year, Canada will be coached by Dale Hunter of the London Knights. They begin their tournament on Boxing Day against the United States. If the Wheat King is given the chance to represent his country, it would be a moment he’ll never forget.
“It would be indescribable,” continued Schneider. “It would be extremely special, and I know I would have a ton of support.”
As mentioned above, watching the U20 WJCs has been a family tradition for the Schneiders. With all of the team’s success over the years, there have been a ton of highlight moments, but Schneider remembers one in particular.
The day was Saturday, January 3, 2009. In a game where Canada beat Russia 6-5, something crazy happened late.
“Jordan Eberle scored with just five seconds left. That was pretty incredible,” he added. “It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
Included in the camp from December 9-12 are two games against a U Sports all-star team on December 11 at 4:00 p.m. and then again on December 12 at 1:00 p.m.
For now, let’s head back to Brandon where Schneider is enjoying a fantastic season in his third campaign with the Wheat Kings.
Braden and the rest of the team are 12-15-1, which has them in the second spot in the Eastern Conference wild card. The team is coming off a weekend split against the Winnipeg ICE.
“I think our team is trending in the right direction. It’s been a difference from last year to this year with Dave Lowry as the head coach now,” said Schneider. “If we stick to our game plan every night and come to the rink ready to play, we can have success.”
“We have a lot of good guys on our team,” he continued. “We just have to keep working hard and good things will happen.”
Schneider is well on his way to a career year. His previous career-high came last year when he recorded 24 points in 58 games. In just 27 games this year, Schneider already has 19 points (3G).
“I’m getting more of an opportunity this year and I have more confidence as well,” added Schneider. “I want to be a guy that shoots the puck more and has the puck on my stick more often. Opportunity and confidence are driving things for myself right now.”
When it comes down to it, this year has already provided Braden with a ton of exciting things. He’s having a great year with Brandon and now he’s trying to make Team Canada. Moving forward to June, Schneider will hope to hear his name heard during the NHL Entry Draft, and it may not take long.
Schneider will be a top prospect that’s eligible for that draft. He’s widely seen as a top-20 candidate.
“There’s a little more at stake this year. I have to rise to the occasion, and I can do that by coming to the rink every day to work hard and be prepared,” he concluded.
Schneider’s 19 points on the back end are the most of any Wheat King defenceman, and he’s fifth on the team in overall scoring.
