Greater Sudbury Cubs forward Samuel Assinewai has been named to the Team Canada East roster for the upcoming World Junior A Challenge in Cornwall, Ont.
Hockey Canada and the Canadian Junior Hockey League made the announcement on Dec. 8.
Following a three-day selection camp that wrapped up Wednesday in Cornwall, Assinewai, 18 of Little Current, was one of 22 players selected to play for Canada East.
The World Junior A Challenge begins Sunday, Dec. 10 and runs through Dec. 18.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for not only Samuel, but the entire Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League,” stated league commissioner Robert Mazzuca. “Anytime you have an opportunity to play for your country, on the international hockey stage, is something one should truly be proud of.
“We wish Samuel and the rest of Team Canada East well at this prestigious event.”
The club said Assinewai has averaged more than a point per game for the Cubs this season. In 11 games with Greater Sudbury this season, the teen has five goals and 10 assists, with two of those tallies being game-winners.
He had also registered points in each of his last eight games, prior to heading to Cornwall for the team’s selection camp.
Canada East’s first game at the WJAC is Sunday as they take on Latvia at 1 p.m., in Cornwall.
Prior to the start of play however, Canada East will face off against the United States at 7 p.m. on Friday in a pre-tournament contest.
