A total of 27 OHL players and a number of hockey operations staff are representing Canada at the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Langley and Delta, BC as the tournament returns for the first time since 2019.
Here’s a look at action throughout the tournament as OHL rookies line up against their own age group in an international showcase.
Day 1 – Thursday, November 3rd:
Canada Black 4, Canada Red 3
Langley, B.C. – Canada Black defeated Canada Red by a score of 4-3 in the opening night of action as Saginaw Spirit rookie Zayne Parekh scored the power play winner.
Parekh headlined the night, scoring twice in the final seven minutes, including the winner with 40.6 seconds left to give Canada Black a comeback win. Also contributing to Canada Black’s scoresheet was Malcolm Spence (Erie Otters), Lucas Karmiris (Mississauga Steelheads), and Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts), who each recorded an assist.
“Wearing that jersey is an honour; it is awesome”, said Parekh. “Without my teammates, those pucks do not go in the net. I do not think we played a great game tonight, I think moving forward we will find our way and pick it up. We are having fun though.”
Canada Red led 3-2 heading into the final period with a goal from 2022 first overall OHL Priority Selection pick Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit), and assists from Porter Martone (Sarnia Sting), Nathan Villeneuve (Sudbury Wolves), Braedyn Rogers (Owen Sound Attack), and Jett Luchanko (Guelph Storm).
“We deserved better. We dominated the game for 40 minutes”, said head coach Greg Walters (Owen Sound Attack). “We got away from our game plan a little bit, not chipping pucks in with a one-goal lead. The structure, work ethic and commitment was there, but we need to bear down on our chances and learn how to win.”
Canada Black takes on Finland tonight in Delta, while Canada Red looks for its first win on Saturday afternoon against Czechia in Langley.
Hockey Canada announced prior to puck drop on Thursday that Sam Dickinson of the London Knights will serve as captain for Team Black. Anthony Cristoforo of the Windsor Spitfires and Porter Martone of the Sarnia Sting are both alternates for Team Red.
• Game Summary
Sweden 3, Canada White 2
Delta, B.C. – Canada White fell short in the final minute of action, as Sweden took the win with a score of 3-2.
Hamilton Bulldogs prospect David Egorov turned aside 33 shots in the loss as Canada White was outshot 36-27.
Canada White returns to the ice on Saturday night, taking on Canada Black in Langley.
Hockey Canada announced prior to puckdrop on Thursday that Henry Mews of the Ottawa 67’s will serve as captain for Team White.
• Game Summary
For full coverage of the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, visit hockeycanada.ca.
