Nolan Foote helped Canada uphold its reputation as the powerhouse in world U18 men’s hockey.
The Kelowna Rockets’ forward and his Canadian teammates defeated the host country 4-1 on Saturday in Brecalv, Czech republic to win the gold medal at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial.
It was the ninth time in 10 years and 21st time in the 27-year history of the summer under-18 competition that Canada has captured the championship.
“It’s exciting,” said Canadian head coach Brent Kisio of the WHL’s Lethbridge HurricanesThere are a lot of great teams and a lot of great countries (competing in the tournament), and to come out on top is pretty special.”
“It’s a pretty special experience playing over here, with these fans (who were) awesome.”
Foote, 16, the Rockets’ top rookie in 2016-17, had a goal and an assist in five games for Team Canada.
The 6-foot-3, 187-pound Foote is the son of former NHLer Adam Foote and the brother of Kelowna defenceman, and has dual Canadian/American citizenship.
Just as Cal was this summer, Nolan is projected as a potential first round pick in the 2019 NHL entry draft.
The full game story and stats can be found at HockeyCanada.ca/Hlinka.
