Canada Russia Series a chance for players to impress world junior coach Tim Hunter
TORONTO — There’s more on the line than just winning for some players at the 2018 CHL Canada-Russia Series. A standout performance could be the difference between watching or playing in the upcoming IIHF world junior hockey championship.
The annual series showcasing the Canadian Hockey League’s top talents begins Monday when the 22 skaters representing the Western Hockey League face Russia’s national junior team in Kamloops, B.C.
Tim Hunter, head coach of Canada’s under-20 squad, will be behind the WHL bench for a first-hand look at players that could potentially crack the Canadian team preparing to defend their gold medal.
“We’re looking to reward guys that have had good starts to their season, with also an opportunity for us to watch them, coach them, get to know them for the Hockey Canada side to see if they’re capable of selection camp in December,” said Hunter, who coaches the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors.