Canada-Russia Series a chance for players to impress world junior coach Tim Hunter

TORONTO There’s more on the line than just winning for some players at the 2018 CHL Canada-Russia Series. A standout performance could be the difference between watching or playing in the upcoming IIHF world junior hockey championship.

The annual series showcasing the Canadian Hockey League’s top talents begins Monday when the 22 skaters representing the Western Hockey League face Russia’s national junior team in Kamloops, B.C.

Tim Hunter, head coach of Canada’s under-20 squad, will be behind the WHL bench for a firsthand look at players that could potentially crack the Canadian team preparing to defend their gold medal.

“We’re looking to reward guys that have had good starts to their season, with also an opportunity for us to watch them, coach them, get to know them for the Hockey Canada side to see if they’re capable of selection camp in December,” said Hunter, who coaches the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors. The Canada-Russia Series started in 2003 and consists of six games against the Russian junior national team. Each of the three leagues making up the CHL — the WHL, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League — will face off against Russia twice. Many of the WHL players chosen this year have had past experience with Hockey Canada at various levels, and some were invited to this past summer’s World Junior Showcase led by Hunter. Goaltender Ian Scott of the Prince Albert Raiders, however, was passed over in June and wasn’t sure if playing at the world juniors was realistic. But a strong start to the season, including being named WHL goalie of the month for October, earned him another look from Hunter at the Canada-Russia Series.

“It’s definitely one of the steps to crack that squad,” Scott said.

“It was one of my goals that I worked for.”

“We never close our doors to guys that didn’t make it to summer camp,” said Hunter. “Players develop and mature at different rates and you have to give guys a chance.”