Stevenson heading to CanWest audition
West Kelowna native invited to tryout for Team Canada West
The West Kelowna Warriors will have to live without forward Chase Stevenson after the local standout was invited to Team Canada West selection camp ahead of the 2017 World Junior ‘A’ Challenge.
Stevenson has scored six goals and 10 assists over 26 games this season in the B.C. Hockey League. The West Kelowna native is one of 60 players headed to Team Canada West camp, which will be held from Dec. 2-5 at the Markin MacPhail Centre at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary.
This year’s World Junior ‘A’ Challenge is to take place in Truro, N.S., beginning on Dec. 10.
Warriors head coach and general manager Rylan Ferster, who has coached at the WJAC, said he is happy for his second-year forward.
“Chase has been a very good 200-foot player for us all year,” Ferster said. “He is very responsible in all three zones and plays on the power play. It’s a great opportunity for him.”
Stevenson is one of 28 players invited from the BCHL.
“I am extremely excited to be attending the upcoming World Junior ‘A’ camp in Calgary,” said Stevenson. “Going into the season, one of my main goals was to make Team Canada West. I feel honoured to have the opportunity to complete one of my goals. Although exciting, I know I still have a lot of work to do in order to make the team and I couldn't be more thrilled for the challenge.”
Team Canada West hopefuls will gather in Calgary on Dec. 2 for practices and scrimmages that will run until Dec. 5. The team will take the ice for their first game of the WJAC on Dec. 10 against the Czech Republic.
The Warriors (15-10-0-1) return to Royal LePage Place this weekend to host the Merritt Centennials on Friday night at 7 p.m. They host the Vernon Vipers on Saturday at RLP, also at 7 p.m.
— Special to The Daily Courier