A team that includes 21 Canadian Hockey League players are representing Canada at the 2009 IIHF World Under-18 Championship this week in Fargo, ND.
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OHL goaltenders Bruce O’Hagan of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and Michael Zador of the Oshawa Generals will be in net behind defencemen Brayden McNabb of the Kootenay Ice, Simon Després of the Saint John Sea Dogs, Erik Gudbranson of the Kingston Frontenacs, Stefan Elliott of the Saskatoon Blades, Calvin de Haan of the Generals and Taylor Doherty of the Frontenacs.
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Up front, the Canadian squad includes Brett Connolly from the Prince George Cougars, Ryan O’Reilly of the Erie Otters, Peter Holland of the Guelph Storm, Zack Kassian of the Peterborough Petes, Byron Froese of the Everett Silvertips, Garrett Mitchell of the Regina Pats, Landon Ferraro of the Red Deer Rebels, John McFarland (pictured)of the Sudbury Wolves, Joey Hishon of the Owen Sound Attack, Cody Eakin of the Swift Current Broncos, Curtis Hamilton of the Saskatoon Blades, Kyle Clifford of the Barrie Colts and Ethan Werek of the Frontenacs.
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Mike Johnston of the Portland Winter Hawks is the coach with assistant Steve Spott of the Kitchener Rangers and they named O’Reilly team captain and Després and Mitchell of the Regina Pats alternates.
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The majority of the players in the tournament are among the top eligible players for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft this June in Montreal.
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The Canadians competed in a pre-tournament camp in Minneapolis, MN before travelling to Fargo to compete in the tournament.
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Canada finished fourth following a 5-4 shootout loss to Finland in the bronze medal game.
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You can recap the World Under-18 Championships online at www.hockeycanada.ca.
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Picture of Landon Ferraro, Red Deer Rebels, credit Aaron Bell/CHL