Gold win once in a lifetime experience for Hayton
It was a once in a lifetime experience but Barrett Hayton had little doubt about what the highlight was of representing Canada at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka U18 Memorial Cup Hockey Tournament.
“Definitely lifting that trophy at the end,” said Hayton. “That was the goal since selection camp; to hoist that trophy. Being able to do that was incredible.
“Being selected to that team was very special.. Going over there and being successful the way we were was a special feeling.”
Canada rebounded from an opening game shootout loss to Russia to win four straight games including 4-1 over the host Czech Republic in the final on Saturday.
“It was a close game, 2-1 for a long time, and then we got the lead up to 4-1 and as the clock was ticking down it was really special. It didn’t sink in right away until I saw all the guys (celebrating).”
The 17-year-old Peterborough native and Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds forward finished tied for second in scoring for Canada, and seventh overall in the tournament, with three goals and three assists in five games. He added two assists in a pre-tournament game and centred Canada’s No. 1 line with Niagara IceDogs’ Akil Thomas and Kelowna Rockets’ Owen Foote, son of former NHLer Adam Foote, throughout the tournament.
“It was real nice being able to have some chemistry with those two guys. It definitely helped a lot,” he said.
Hayton is entering his NHL draft season and he hopes his success with Canada will help kickstart his second OHL season.
“It was definitely a huge honour having that role with the team and special as well but it was also a responsibility and we were very happy to be successful,” he said. “Being able to have success there and taking a lot out of that tournament, the pace of play being at a high level of hockey, gives you some confidence and helps you feel comfortable heading into the season. I’m very excited for the season.”
It’s his second experience with Hockey Canada after playing at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge last year.
“It’s incredible wearing that Canadian leaf. It’s a very special feeling,” said Hayton. “Hockey Canada is first class and it’s incredible what they’re able to do in putting teams together and being so successful.”
It was also his first experience playing on the large international ice surfaces in Europe.
“It’s definitely an adjustment with the ice being significantly wider but it was good. It’s a different game, obviously, there is a lot more time and space but I really enjoyed it,” he said.