Sonne, Anholt to coach Canada at 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge

Saskatoon Blades head coach Brennan Sonne and Lethbridge Hurricanes assistant GM / assistant coach Matt Anholt have been named assistant coaches for Canada at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Charlottetown and Summerside, P.E.I., next month.

Sonne (Maple Ridge, B.C.) will serve as an assistant for Canada White, while Anholt (Prince Albert, Sask.) will be behind the bench for Canada Red.

“The under-17 program is the first step in Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence, and we are excited to welcome coaches from across the CHL to help introduce the country’s top young players to our program,” said Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), senior vice-president of hockey operations. “All of these coaches bring a unique skill set, combining playing and international and junior hockey experience, and we look forward to the coaching staff helping deliver a world-class event for all participants.”

Anholt is entering his third season as an assistant coach with the Hurricanes. Prior to that, he spent two seasons as the Hurricanes skills and development coach. Ahead of the 2021-22 season, Anholt added assistant general manager to his title, working alongside his father, Lethbridge GM Peter Anholt.

Sonne is entering his third season as the head coach of the Blades. Prior to arriving in Saskatoon, he spent three seasons (2014-17) as an assistant coach with the Everett Silvertips. Last season, Sonne earned the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the WHL Coach of the Year.

The Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown will play host to 12 games during the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, including both medal games and a Canadian double-header on Nov. 4.

Ten games will be played at Credit Union Place in Summerside, beginning with Team Canada White facing Czechia on Nov. 2, as well as an all-Canadian matchup on Nov. 3.

Tickets are on sale now, with packages starting at $120. Click here to secure your seat.

TSN and RDS, the official broadcasters of Hockey Canada, will broadcast the medal games. Preliminary-round games, quarterfinals and semifinals will be available by livestream at HockeyCanada.ca.

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along on Facebook, X and Instagram.