Fitzgerald, Gowan Named to Canada Red Roster for 2024 U17 World Challenge
Hockey Canada has officially announced their Canada Red and Canada White Rosters for the 2024 U17 World Challenge in Sarnia, ON. The tournament is scheduled to take place from November 3-9 at Progressive Auto Sales Arena.
First-year Petes Colin Fitzgerald and Blake Gowan have both been named to Canada Red, who will kick off their tournament against Finland on November 3 at 7:30 p.m.
“We’re very excited for Colin and Blake,” noted Petes General Manager and Vice President of Operations Michael Oke. “This is a great opportunity for them to play with the top talent in their age group from around the world. We’re looking forward to watching them both represent their country as they compete for Gold.”
Fitzgerald, a Peterborough, ON, native, was selected by the Petes in the first round, third overall, of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. Last season, he featured in 34 games with the Peterborough Petes U16s, scoring 39 goals and adding 25 assists for 64 points. In eight playoff games, he scored 13 times and added 8 assists, helping the Petes to the OMHA Championships and the 2024 OHL Cup. In his first four OHL games, Fitzgerald has scored two goals.
Gowan, a defenceman from Kingston, ON, was selected by the Petes in the second round, 32nd overall, of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. He played in 33 games with the Barrie Colts U16 last season, scoring two goals and adding 25 assists for 27 points. In 10 playoff games with the Colts, Gowan scored three times and added 8 assists for 11 points, helping the Colts to an OMHA Championship win and a spot in the OHL Cup. Through his first four OHL games, Gowan has picked up two assists.
The 2024 U17 World Challenge kicks off on Nov. 3, with Canada White taking on Czechia at 3:30 p.m. ET and Canada Red facing off against Finland at 7:30 p.m. ET. Teams will play two preliminary-round games before the medal round, which concludes on Nov. 9 with the medal games, as well as the fifth-place game. The event will also feature pre-tournament games in Sarnia, Petrolia and Forest on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. ET.
The Petes are back in action on Thursday, October 10 when they host the Sudbury Wolves. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the PMC. Tickets for the game are still available and can be purchased by clicking here, calling (705) 742-3561, or by visiting the Grant Thornton Box Office during business hours.
