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Quenneville back following CIBC Canada-Russia Series

Nov 8, 2017 | 3:33 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Medicine Hat Tigers defenceman David Quenneville maintained a high-level of play when he suited up for Team WHL in the CIBC Canada-Russia Series this week.

Quenneville, the only member of the Tigers selected for the team, returned to Medicine Hat on Wednesday following the first two games in the Super Series.

Team WHL were victorious 7-0 in Moose Jaw on Monday, but dropped a 4-3 decision in Swift Current on Tuesday. Quenneville scored a pair of powerplay goals in Tuesday’s game.

“It’s obviously exciting playing against the top Russian players, and playing alongside my Western Hockey League peers,” said the 19-year-old New York Islanders prospect. “Obviously, when I can contribute, it’s always special.”

Quenneville, who leads the Tigers with 22 points this season as a blue-liner, says he was excited to contribute alongside some of the top players in the WHL, including Jake Bean, Sam Steel and Dillon Dube. He notes he has played on teams with those three players prior to his WHL career.

“I’ve known those guys for years, and when you have that (comfort) with guys out there, you understand where you’re going to be on the ice, and obviously those guys are very elite level players,” he said. “It makes for some fun hockey.”

The series serves as a chance for scouts to get a closer look at players for the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship. This summer, Quenneville was invited to World Junior Development Camp for Team Canada, but says his focus remains on one game at a time.

“It’s always going to be on the back of your mind, you’re always going to think about it a little bit,” he said. “But, at the end of the day, you just have to work day-by-day. The team doesn’t get picked today, it doesn’t get picked tomorrow, it gets picked a month from now.

“I’ve just got to continue to get better every day, like I’ve been doing so far this season, and continue to have fun.”

The Tigers return to action this weekend for a home-and-home series against the Calgary Hitmen. The team travels to the Scotiabank Saddledome Friday night for a 7 p.m. game, and return to the Canalta Centre Saturday at 7:30 p.m.