April 5, 2007
CALGARY, Alberta - Alaska Nanook freshman center Dion Knelsen (Three Hills, AB) has been named to Canada's 2007 World Under-18 Team's official roster, as announced Wednesday by Hockey Canada.
"It's definitely a huge honor," said Knelsen, who grew up watching televised coverage of the tournament in Canada. "It has always been a dream to wear my country's flag on my chest and now its coming true."
Along with Knelsen, many of Canada's best draft-eligible hockey players will be representing Canada at the International Ice Hockey Federation's World U18 Championships in Tampere and Rauma, Finland from April 11-22, 2007.
"In Canada the major events that hockey people follow are the Stanly Cup, the World Junior tournament at Christmas and after that the World Under-18 Championships," said Alaska head coach Tavis MacMillan. "This is something that will be on TV across Canada. Every game will be broadcast. It's a big deal, a very big deal."
The World Under-18 event brings together the best players age 18 and under, many of whom will be top NHL picks at the June NHL Entry Draft. Canada's team is comprised of the best eligible Under-18 aged players that are not involved in the playoffs in the Canadian Hockey League or other leagues.
Last month Trent Yawney, former head coach for the National Hockey League's Chicago Blackhawks, was selected to lead Canada at the 10-team tournament in Finland.
"We're thrilled to add Dion to Canada's National Men's Under-18 Team," said Yawney. "We feel he's a smart hockey player who will help us on the large ice in Finland."
As the second youngest player in Division I collegiate hockey this season, he is one of the few players eligible to participate in the tournament. Knelsen is the only college player represented on Canada's roster and the University of Minnesota's James O'Brien, who will play for the United States team at the championships, is the only other college player scheduled to make an appearance in the tournament.
According to MacMillan, every National Hockey League franchise will have representatives present at the Under-18 Championships scouting for the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
"It's not by coincidence. Dion has worked very hard to earn this opportunity and he's earned it. He's obviously a kid who has opened eyes. It is no surprise he's been invited to participate in this tournament and it won't be a surprise to see him drafted come June."
The 5-9, 180-pound forward is the first Nanook skater to play on a national team and to represent his country in a world tournament.
"This is just further recognition of what our program is," said MacMillan. "If you look at (Kyle) Greentree signing (a pro contract) and Darcy Campbell's signing and now here is another example of the types of opportunities the players in our program are getting right now. Our kids are developing within our program and getting opportunities."
Canada has participated at the World Under-18 Championship since 2002, winning gold at the event in 2003. Team Canada will hope to find its form as it will meet Sweden and Germany in two pre-tournament games on Saturday and Monday, April 7 and 9, respectively.
The following is the team's schedule for the trip:
April 5 - Travel to Helsinki, Finland
April 6-10 - Pre Competition Camp
April 7 - Exhibition Game vs. Sweden
April 9 - Exhibition Game vs. Germany
April 10 - Travel to Rauma, Finland
April 11-22 - World U-18 Championships
April 12 - Preliminary Round Group A: Canada vs. Germany @ 5:00 a.m. AST*
April 14 - Preliminary Round Group A: Canada vs. Latvia @ 5:00 a.m. AST*
April 15 - Preliminary Round Group A: Canada vs. USA @ 7:30 a.m. AST*
April 17 - Preliminary Round Group A: Canada vs. Russia @ 8:30 a.m. AST*
April 19-22 - Play-offs (quarterfinal, semifinal and championship rounds)
April 23- - Travel Home
*There is an 11 hour time difference between Alaska and Finland.
Listed below are two links for more information and complete results during the 2007 IIHF World U-18 Championships:
o Hockey Canada Under-18 Team
o International Ice Hockey Federation 2007 World Under-18 Championships
