By Mitch Bach

Wearing the maple leaf

‘It’s surreal, you have to run with it’: players thrilled to play for Team Canada at World U17’s

Oct 31, 2019 | 3:20 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — It’s a day hockey fans throughout southern Alberta and Saskatchewan have waited months for.

The world’s best under the age of 17 are scattered throughout communities in the Western Prairies, gearing up for their first and only exhibition match of the 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

One of those pre-tournament matches features arguably the greatest rivalry in international hockey history.

Team Canada Red squares off against Team USA at the Canalta Centre in Medicine Hat with puck-drop set for 7:00 p.m.

Both rosters are adorned with talent and skill, which will surely be seen in the NHL in the coming years.

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The red Canadian squad features the likes of Connor Lockhart, drafted by the Erie Otters third overall in the OHL Entry Draft, along with the QMJHL’s number one draft pick, Joshua Roy of the Saint John Sea Dogs.

Plenty more are home to the Western Hockey League, including Kamloops-born Logan Stankoven who’s suiting up for his hometown Blazers this season.

Mitch Bach of CHAT Sports caught up with those three prolific stars in the making to hear what it’s like to be chosen to represent their home country. Plus, Team Canada Red head coach Martin Laperriere gives his thoughts on manning the bench while wearing the maple leaf.