Murray Wood: Hope in the Middle East for first time since Hamas launched attack
For the first time since Hamas terrorists launched an attack on Israel two years ago, Murray Wood says there is hope for...
Two Regina Pats players will go from donning red and blue jerseys to red and white ones.
Through a collaboration with Hockey Canada, 15-year-old forwards Maddox Schultz and Liam Pue have been added to Canada White’s roster for the upcoming 2025 Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
Read more:
- Pats lose to Raiders as Schultz, Pue make home debut
- Regina Pats turn to franchise legend Dale Derkatch to lead next chapter
- Regina Pats launch ‘Blue Runs Deep’ vision to build Rider-like fan loyalty
The challenge takes place from Nov. 2-8 at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre in Truro, Nova Scotia.
Pue, the third overall pick in this past WHL Draft, said he was surprised when he heard the news from his head coach.
“It was kind of like a sigh of relief, knowing that you made Team Canada,” he said. “There are a lot of emotions. You can’t really process your mind right away.”
Pue said the opportunity to play is a special one.
“It’s pretty amazing. It’s pretty surreal. You never really think you’ll have the opportunity to do it. And I obviously get to do it alongside Maddox on the same team,” he said.
While representing Team Canada is a huge responsibility, Pue said the pressure is just like any other tournament.
“Obviously, you’re representing your country, and it’s pretty special, but you’ve got to put it in the back of your mind, and just go out there and play your game and hopefully bring back a gold,” he said.
Pue has collected three points (1G-2A) in six games with the Pats and added eight assists in four games with the Regina Pat Canadians U18 AAA.
Schultz, the top pick from this last draft, said getting to wear a Maple Leaf on his chest means a lot.
“Watching the best players in Canada wear that leaf with pride and do what they do with it, it’s obviously real special,” he said. “For me to throw that jersey on now, it’s gonna be really cool.”
Recovery is a big part of Schultz’s preparation for the tournament.
“I think that’s a big component of practicing and then games and all that stuff. You don’t want to be tired for it,” he said.
“Gearing up (and) having confidence. I think that’s a big one (too).”
He’s looking forward to the tournament with Pue by his side.
“Over the past couple of months, we’ve been riding together, just doing things together, shooting together, practicing together, and now going to this tournament together. It’s gonna be really cool,” Schultz said.
Schultz has recorded four assists in seven games to start his WHL career. He’s also tallied 11 points (8G-3A) in four games with the Regina Pat Canadians U18 AAA.
Regina Pats General Manager Dale Derkatch said the boys should be proud of this accomplishment.
“For Maddox and Liam to make the U17 Challenge as underage players is a tremendous accomplishment and an important step in their young hockey careers,” he said in a statement.
“It’s a huge honour to represent Canada, and I hope they take pride in that. It’s always special to see players from our organization get the opportunity to wear the Maple Leaf — it’s an experience they’ll never forget.”
All 44 players chosen to sport the Maple Leaf with Canada Red and Canada White have been drafted by Canadian Hockey League teams, including 19 from the WHL, 17 from the OHL and eight from the QMJHL.
Canada Red takes on Finland at 6:30 p.m. Saskatchewan time on Nov. 2, while Canada White faces Sweden at 10:30 p.m.
— with files from 980 CJME’s Britton Gray
