Chase Stevenson has taken the first step towards wearing his country’s colours in international competition.
The 18-year-old West Kelowna Warriors’ forward is one of 60 hopefuls, including 28 from the BCHL, who have earned invitations to the Team Canada West selection camp early next month in Calgary.
Team Canada West will compete in the 2017 World Junior A Challenge beginning Dec. 10 in Truro, Nova Scotia.
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“Going into the season, it was definitely a goal of mine to get an invitation to the camp,” said Stevenson, a West Kelowna native. “I just tried to play my best and kind of forgot about it, so when I got the call, I was pretty excited.
“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve watched the world juniors and have wanted to wear the Maple Leaf,” continued Stevenson. “Obviously, this isn’t the world juniors, but it is a chance to represent my country. I’m looking forward to the opportunity.
Stevenson has tallied six goals and 16 points in 26 games so far in the 2017-18 season, while registering 16 goals and 36 points in 62 career BCHL games.
Warriors’ head coach and general manager Rylan Ferster, who has coached and managed in the past at the WJAC, is happy for his second-year forward.
“Chase has been a very good 200-foot player for us all year,” said Ferster. “He is very responsible in all three zones and plays on the power play. It’s a great opportunity for him.”
Team Canada West hopefuls will gather in Calgary from Dec. 2 to 5 at the Markin MacPhail Centre at Canada Olympic Park, with 24 making the final roster.
The World Junior A Challenge opens Dec. 10 with Team Canada West taking on the Czech Republic.
Warriors home for two…
The Warriors (15-10-0-1) return to Royal LePage Place for two games this weekend, Friday against the Merritt Centennials and Saturday against the Vernon Vipers. Face off both nights is 7 p.m.
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