2015 U16 CHALLENGE CUP: TEAM ALBERTA PREVIEW
Calgary, AB – The 2015 Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup is set to begin on Wednesday, October 28th at Markin MacPhail Centre in Calgary, Alberta. The Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup will feature the highest-rated players in the Under-16 category representing the four Western Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
The majority of the players participating in the event were selected in the WHL Bantam Draft in May of 2015. Many of these top young prospects will play major roles on WHL Clubs in the seasons ahead.
Team Alberta heads into the fifth edition of the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup as the defending Champions after last winning the tournament in 2013. Team Alberta is seeking its fourth gold medal win after previously winning the tournament in 2011 and in 2009 while winning a silver medal in 2012. Team Alberta has earned a medal in every edition of the tournament and looks to keep that streak intact.
Team Alberta boasts six players who were first-round picks in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft. Ty Smith, who was selected first overall by the Spokane Chiefs will provide a lot of offensive spark and a strong defensive style of play for Team Alberta and their quest for a gold medal. The 15 year-old native of Lloydminster, AB recorded nine goals and 28 points in 16 games for the Delta Hockey Academy Prep squad in 2014-15 and is looking to bring that skill set to Team Alberta.
“It’s a pretty good feeling knowing that you’re representing your province,” said Smith referring to the news of playing for Team Alberta. “I’m pretty honoured and excited to be selected to play for the team this year. I’m just excited to get together with the guys and get this thing going.”
Smith went on to state that Alberta’s roster is a great group. “I know all of the guys on the team pretty well. It’s a great group and we’re ready for the challenge. I expect the games to be competitive and very fast-paced. It should also be physical and there will be a lot of talent out there on the ice.”
Team Alberta heads into the U16 Challenge Cup seeking its fourth gold medal and Head Coach Bobby Fox expects this to be a challenging quest.
“It’s definitely an exciting challenge for ourselves and Team Alberta,” said Fox. “There is a lot of parity. I expect every single game to be tough and competitive. All four teams are going to be pushing the pace.”
Fox further mentioned that he’s preparing the players for this tournament from not only a physical stand point, but also with a strong mental approach.
“We are looking at tactical approaches. We got to do everything in regards to technology such as working with video and developing team chemistry. Hopefully, we can come together quickly at the tournament and have success. We’re going to have to manage our emotions and get the nervous energy out of the way heading into the first game.”
Other Team Alberta players that fans should keep an eye on include Jonathan Tychonick who was selected 12th overall by the Saskatoon Blades, Eric Florchuk who was selected 13th overall by the Victoria Royals, Elijah Brown who was selected 15th overall by the Seattle Thunderbirds, Chase Wouters who was selected 19th overall by the Saskatoon Blades and Tristan Nielsen who was selected 20th overall by the Calgary Hitmen.
TEAM ALBERTA ROSTER
|
Position |
Number |
Player Name |
Hometown |
|
G |
1 |
Carl Stankowski |
Calgary, AB |
|
G |
33 |
Jacob Bennett |
Ft. Saskatchewan, AB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
D |
3 |
Payton McIssac |
Ft. Saskatchewan, AB |
|
D |
6 |
Ty Smith |
Lloydminster, AB |
|
D |
7 |
Jayden Platz |
St. Albert, AB |
|
D |
8 |
Cole Clayton |
Strathmore, AB |
|
D |
16 |
Sean Comrie |
Edmonton, AB |
|
D |
20 |
Jonathan Tychonick |
Calgary, AB |
|
D |
22 |
Konrad Belcourt |
Sherwood Park, AB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
F |
4 |
Spencer Moe |
Calgary, AB |
|
F |
5 |
Elijah Brown |
Edmonton, AB |
|
F |
9 |
Nicholas Bowman |
Sherwood Park, AB |
|
F |
10 |
Ryley Appelt |
Edmonton, AB |
|
F |
11 |
Josh Prokop |
Edmonton, AB |
|
F |
12 |
Chase Wouters |
Lloydminster, AB |
|
F |
14 |
Eric Florchuk |
Ft. Saskatchewan, AB |
|
F |
15 |
Tristen Nielsen |
Calgary, AB |
|
F |
17 |
Josh Tarzwell |
Red Deer, AB |
|
F |
19 |
Paycen Bjorklund |
Grande Prairie, AB |
|
F |
21 |
Louis Jamernik |
Calgary, AB |
TEAM ALBERTA ROUND-ROBIN SCHEDULE:
*all games will take place at Markin MacPhail Centre (Calgary, Alberta)
|
Date |
Visitor |
|
Home |
Time |
|
Wednesday, October 28 |
British Columbia |
@ |
Alberta |
7:00p.m. |
|
Thursday, October 29 |
Alberta |
@ |
Saskatchewan |
3:00p.m. |
|
Friday, October 30 |
Manitoba |
@ |
Alberta |
7:00p.m. |
Ticket Information:
|
Tournament Pass |
Day Pass |
|
Adult $40 |
Adult $15 |
|
Student & Senior $35 |
Student & Senior $10 |
|
Early-Bird (until October 25th) $30 |
|
|
Youth (14 & under) FREE with minor hockey jersey or Halloween costume |
|
CLICK HERE for Early-Bird Tickets.
On-site ticket sales will begin one (1) hour prior to the start of the first game, each day of the tournament.
For more information on the 2015 Western Canada Under-16 Challenge Cup, CLICK HERE
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