Otters’ Matthew Schaefer to captain Canada at 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Matthew Schaefer is looking for international gold once again at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

The Erie Otters defenceman helped Canada to gold at the 2023 World U-17 Hockey Challenge and the 2024 U18 World Championships.

Named captain for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, the 17-year-old will draw on his previous international experience this week in Edmonton.

“You get to know what it feels like to play against the best players in the world so I feel I can bring a lot to the table,” he said.

Canada will seek a third straight Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold medal as well as the 25th in program history.

The 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup takes place Aug. 5-10 in Edmonton, AB.