CHL, U20 World Junior Championships, Uncategorized

15 WHLers Invited to Team Canada World Juniors Selection Camp

Written by Adam Kierszenblat on

On Thursday, 15 WHLers were named to Canada’s World Junior Selection Camp roster. 2 goalies, 6 defenseman and 7 forwards will compete for a spot to join team Canada in Edmonton this coming December. The selection Camp starts November 16th and goes until December 13th in Red Deer, AB. Canada can bring 22 skaters and 3 goalies to the tournament this year. Michael Dyck of the Vancouver Giants and Mitch Love of the Saskatoon Blades will serve as assistant coaches this year. Here were the selctions:

Goaltenders:

Dylan Garand- Kamloops Blazers

Dylan Garand finished last year with a record of 28-10-3, while posting an impressive .921 save percentage. Garand was part of the 2019 Hlinka/ Gretzky team where he won a Silver Medal.

Taylor Gauthier- Prince George Cougars

Taylor Gauthier played well for a rebuilding Cougars team last year posting a .917 save percentage in 50 games. Gauthier was part of the 2018 Gold Medal winning Hlinka Gretzky team.

Defense:

Bowen Byram- Vancouver Giants

Byram is a returning player who was a big part of last years World Junior Gold Medal team. Team Canada hopes Byram can return, but will have to wait to see if Colorado will lend him to the team. If he plays for Canada, Byram will see big minutes, and will be relied upon throughout the tournament.

Kaiden Guhle- Prince Albert Raiders

Guhle has Team Canada experience as he was part of the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Silver Medal Team. The Big defenseman put up 40 points in 64 games last year, and could be a key piece on the blueline.

Daemeon Hunt- Moose Jaw Warriors

Hunt’s speed and physicality could play a big role for Canada. Another player with international experience, Hunt can provide Canada with solid minutes if called upon. Daemeon Hunt may not put up big numbers, but can be that important defenseman who can be relied upon in critical situations.

Kaeden Korzak- Kelowna Rockets

Korzak is a big defensive defenseman who has the ability to contribute offensively. Kaeden is a great skater and can provide Canada with the extra level of toughness and size they need.

Matthew Robertson- Edmonton Oil Kings

Matthew Robertson can provide Team Canada with the strong back end play, and the ability to move the puck. Robertson does not make mistakes often and is extremely difficult to strip the puck from.

Braden Schneider- Brandon Wheat Kings

Schneider is big and mobile two-way defenseman who can put up points. He recorded 42 points in 60 games last year, and can help with Canada’s transition game. Look for Schneider to impress with his big hits and aggressive style of play.

Forwards:

Adam Beckman- Spokane Chiefs

The Minnesota Wild prospect knows how to score, and can be a key piece to the Team Canada offense. Beckman’s shot along with his hockey smarts could be lethal on the powerplay if selected by Team Canada.

Dylan Cozens- Lethbridge Hurricanes

Cozens was part of last years World Junior team and could be part of the leadership team this year. The captain of the Hurricanes knows how to play tough, and can provide constant scoring as shown with nine points in seven games at last years tournament. Cozens could be Canada’s #1 center this year and is expected to have a big tournament.

Gage Goncalves- Everett Silvertips

Goncalves does not have Team Canada experience but impressed last year enough to get a call up to the selection camp. With 71 points in 60 games last year, Goncalves showed he is dangerous with the puck. A great shot and playmaking ability could help Goncalves make this team.

Ridley Grieg- Brandon Wheat Kings

Grieg is a player who never gives up, and stands up for his teammates. If there is a scrum, Grieg is right there in the middle of it to defend his teammates. A player that can hurt you physically, as well as on the scoresheet, Grieg has the opportunity to be a tough bottom 6 forward on this team.

Seth Jarvis- Portland Winterhawks

Although he may be smaller than most, Jarvis is a great offensive player who can do some real damage on the powerplay. Jarvis has a great shot, with great passing ability. Look for Jarvis to light the lamp in camp like he did 42 times last year with Portland.

Peyton Krebs- Winnipeg Ice

The Winnipeg Ice captain will be a big part of Team Canada this year. Krebs has incredible offensive awareness, and can defend as well as any forward on the invitee list. Krebs may be part of the leadership team this year, and looks to have a big tournament after missing out last year.

Conner Zary- Kamloops Blazers

Zary’s skating and ability to pick up passes on the rush make him a very dangerous offensive option for Team Canada. Zary is also a big body with a great shot. Look for Zary to push for a spot on the team this year.

Kirby Dach- Saskatoon Blades

A very late addition to the team, Dach may be available to play if the NHL season starts after January 6th. Dach’s experience could provide invaluable experience to a young Team Canada team. Look for Dach to be part of the leadership group if allowed to play.