In Leduc, Alta., 60 players will gather Dec. 5-8 to take part in intrasquad games and practices in the hopes of cracking the final Team Canada West line-up. The Leduc Recreation Centre will host all scheduled games and practices in advance of the final roster selections for Team Canada West.
“Coaches from all five leagues representing Team Canada West assisted in identifying players which will make for a fast-paced, very competitive selection camp,” said Trevor Alto (White Rock, B.C./B.C. Hockey League), director of operations for Team Canada West. “The focus is on competition for the 22 roster spots; however, the staff is dedicated to providing each invitee every opportunity to not only put their best foot forward, but to also enjoy the opportunity to represent Team Canada West.”
Barry Wolff (Kelowna, B.C./Coquitlam, BCHL) returns to Team Canada West, this time as head coach, alongside fellow 2015 Team Canada West assistant coach Mike Reagan (Flin Flon, Man./Flin Flon, SJHL), Marc Berry (Britle, Man./Dauphin, MJHL) and Rick Swan (Sherwood Park, Alta./Bonnyville, AJHL).
The CJHL leverages its five eastern Junior A leagues – the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL), Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), Ligue de hockey junior du Québec (LHJQ), and Maritime Hockey League (MHL) – to select players to represent Team Canada East.
Team Canada West is selected from among the league’s five western Junior A leagues: the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), and Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL).
The 2016 World Junior A Challenge, which features two Canadian teams and four international entries, takes place from Dec. 11-17 at the R.J. Lalonde Arena, part of the Bonnyville District and Centennial Centre. Full-tournament ticket packages can be purchased online, and include all 13 games at R.J. Lalonde Arena.