Surrey-raised players Luka Burzan and Tyler Popowich skated away with silver medals as members of Team Canada Black at the 2016 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
The tournament, played in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., saw the squad lose 2-1 to Sweden in the gold-medal game on Saturday (Nov. 5).
In Friday’s semifinal, Burzan was among the shootout goal scorers in a 3-2 thriller over Russia.
In six games played at the tourney, Burzan (pictured) scored a pair of goals and Popowich notched a single assist.
The 66 Canadian players at the tournament were divided into three teams, wearing Black, Red and White colours. The Canadian squads battled the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Sweden and United States in their quest for gold.
CLICK HERE to read a gold-medal game report on Hockey Canada’s website.
CLICK HERE to see video.
In the WHL, Burzan is with Moose Jaw Warriors while Popowich skates with the Vancouver Giants.
Last year, Popowich won a bronze medal with Team B.C. at the Western Canada Under-16 Challenge Cup, after he was chosen third overall by the Giants in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft.
Burzan, meanwhile, was among 15 of the U17 Canadians who earned a taste of international competition last February when they won a silver medal at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games.
tom.zillich@thenownewspaper.com
