Sport gives an opportunity to see some truly unique parts of the country.
Jack Thompson and Quinton Byfield of the Sudbury Wolves will experience New Brunswick for the first time next month as part of the World U-17 Hockey Challenge.
Hockey Canada announced the rosters Wednesday, Oct. 17 with Thompson and Byfield named as two of 27 players from the OHL making the cut.
“Getting to represent your country is a big deal and a dream come true," said Thompson. "You know, growing up watching World Junior events and U18 events to finally get a chance to put on the maple leaf is going to be exciting."
The tournament will be held in Saint John and Quispamsis, New Brunswick from Nov. 3-10, featuring not only 66 of the best players in Canada, but from around the world.
“Just knowing you’re one step closer that moment, just putting on your country's logo for the first time is just a great honour, definitely humbling as well,” said Byfield. “You’re going to be playing with all the top prospects, the young prospects your age. Just comparing yourself to all of them, getting to know what you have to do to be the best and play against the best."
It’s a chance for the pair to grow their game both on and off the ice.
“Learn how to be a pro and taking that back here, taking any skills that those coaches teach me back here will be good,” said Thompson.
This also represents an opportunity to get on Hockey Canada’s radar for the future.
“U17 is the first tournament in the program of excellence, so start here and then you keep working up eventually hopefully you can play for the Olympic team or the World Junior team,” said Thompson.
Players from Canada will be divided into three teams, Team Canada Red, Team Canada Black and Team Canada White.
They will face teams from the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Sweden and the United States.
Both players have never been to New Brunswick, and Thompson said it will be his first time out east. They will have each other on the trip plus a number of players they have met along the way. Hockey can take you to some pretty cool places.
“It has already in minor hockey, it brought me to Thunder Bay which was 18 hours from house. So hockey is always bringing me all over the place, especially bringing me to New Brunswick that will be a neat experience, it’s just going to be really fun,” said Byfield.
