Hockey players from Penticton, Coldstream, Delta and Sicamous will play a role in helping Canada’s national team prepare for the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, Dec. 26 to Jan. 5 in Buffalo, New York.
The roster for the 2017 U SPORTS men’s hockey all-star team for a two game series against Canada’s national junior team prospects was announced on Monday. Included on it are Jagger Dirk (Penticton/St. Francis Xavier University), Jason Fram (Delta/University of Alberta), Cain Franson (Sicamous/University of Calgary) and Cole Sanford (Coldstream/University of Alberta).
🇨🇦🏒 @OnTheBus_2 and @frannyy12 are headed to the @USPORTSca all-star squad, which will face @HockeyCanada's national junior team next week, along with @DinosHockey HC Howell. Congrats and good luck, guys!#GoDinos
— UCalgary Dinos (@UCDinos) December 4, 2017
READ➡️http://t.co/Ps5uonFfvf pic.twitter.com/MPrkWc3Iw0
The U SPORTS all-star team will play two games (Dec. 13 and Dec. 14) against the prospects, which will mark the culmination of a four-day camp for the U SPORTS men’s team beginning Dec. 11, while also serving as part of Hockey Canada’s national junior team selection camp.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Hockey Canada for what should be two very entertaining hockey games, and a continued partnership between our organizations,” said Graham Brown, president and CEO of U SPORTS. “We all know how excited Canadians get every December about Canada’s National Junior Team. These games will provide great exposure for U SPORTS men’s hockey, and I know our players and coaches are looking forward to shining on a national stage.”
It will mark the third straight year Canada’s National Junior Team Prospects have faced off against the U SPORTS men’s hockey all-stars, all but one of whom have CHL major junior experience, including six returning players from last year’s squad.