LeDonne bound for Jr. A Worlds
Things are looking up for Trevor LeDonne.
The 18-year-old defenceman from Stoney Creek has been named to the Canada East roster for the World Jr. A Challenge. The tournament, which also features teams from Russia, Czech Republic, the U.S. and Canada West, gets started Sunday in Bonnyville, Alta.
“Being selected for the WJAC is an experience of a lifetime,” LeDonne said from Edmonton Thursday. “It’s an honour to be able to represent this amazing country.”
The news comes around the halfway mark of what is shaping up to be a breakthrough season for the five-foot-11, 181-pounder. He has 27 points in 28 games with the Brantford 99ers, which ties him for third in scoring among Ontario Junior Hockey League rearguards.
A 12th round Hamilton Bulldogs pick in 2016, LeDonne had seven points in 49 games with the Oakville Blades a year ago.
“He drives our offence from the back end,” said 99ers general manager Darren DeDobbelaer, who acquired LeDonne from Oakville in the off-season. “He worked really, really hard at the Eastern Canada Cup to make this team and it’s quite an accomplishment — not only for him but for the organization.”
He also has the distinction of being the first 99ers player to make Canada East.
The Jr. A franchise relocated to Brantford from Milton at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.
LeDonne, who never managed to make the cut at training camp with the Bulldogs, is DeDobbelaer’s “No. 1 guy” — someone who can score, kill penalties, quarterback a power play and keep the opposing team’s attack in check.
On top of LeDonne, Dunnville’s Owen Cole and Waterdown’s Dustyn McFaul were also named to the 22-man Canada East roster.
The tournament runs until Dec. 16.