Jubilant banquet kicks off World Junior A Challenge
tic Canada world under 17 challenge teams.
The World Junior A Challenge has produced NHL players such as Zach Hyman (Toronto Maple Leafs), Tyson Jost ( Colorado Avalanche), Vladimir Tarasenko (St. Louis Blues) and Kyle Turris (Nashville Predators).
Ritcey said there will be 160 scouts in attendance during the week and the talent and level of play will be outstanding.
Jed Ritcey, Dave’s father, was paid tribute to in an outstanding way during Thursday night’s banquet. The startup of the Jed Ritcey Legacy Fund touched many in attendance.
“Jed was a modest man and always believed in giving back to the community,” Dave said. “It’s wonderful to know the legacy in Jed’s memory will provide funding support to local, grassroots development, future event hosting and capital upgrades to facilities in Colchester County.”
Dave also praised the more than 120 local volunteers who have stepped up to help with the upcoming junior A challenge.
Nick Sharpe is the director of partnerships & events for the RECC and chairman of Events Truro Colchester, a committee working to attract and secure major events to the Truro area.
“Hosting this challenge is a big deal for Truro and Colchester,” Sharpe said. “The economic impact is estimated to be in the millions. We get the opportunity on the international stage to show our pride in our local commun- ities – we hope this world junior event will help grow the sport of hockey and help us in hosting future events. We aim to put our best foot forward in hosting a world-class event. We want to give all international teams a true Truro welcome.”
The players representing Canada West and Canada East were introduced Thursday night. From the Maritime Hockey League are forward Logan Johnston of Edmundston Blizzard and Francis Thibeault of the Campbellton Tigers.
Johnston, one of the league’s top scorers, has 10 goals and 20 assists.
“This is a big moment for sure – playing in the world junior A challenge,” Johnston, 19, of Fredericton, said. “This is one of the biggest honours I have had in my hockey career to date.”
Thibeault, who has played considerable major junior hockey, has three goals and six assists from his defence position.
“I’m thrilled, it’s an honour to be picked to represent the Maritime Hockey League,” Thibeault, 19 of Val d’ Amour, N.B., said. “There are a lot of good players in this tournament, it will be good hockey. To play against Russia, the Czech Republic and the U.S.A., it’s a big opportunity.”
Tickets to all games of the World Junior A Challenge are still available by contacting the RECC.