Grande Prairie will be represented at this year’s World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Hockey Canada released its roster on October 16th and GP born and raised goaltender Garin Bjorklund made the cut. The 16-year-old says he was thrilled to find out he was picked for the team.
“It was really exciting to hear the news. I was waiting for it for a long time and once I finally heard I was selected to the top 66 it was really exciting for me and my family.”
Bjorklund’s journey to Team Canada started by making the list of top 80 players in Alberta. From there he was asked to come to Hockey Canada’s development camp in July. 111 players from across the country were invited to the camp to learn what it takes to play for the team. That team was then cut down by the organization before they locked in their final roster.
The goaltender, who has spent the last two seasons playing for the Calgary Buffaloes, first laced up the skates when he was four-years-old. He says it’s a dream come true for him to represent his country in international competition.
“It means a lot. When you’re a young kid you dream to play for Team Canada and wear the crest and now it’s kind of a surreal moment. You’re excited to be a part of such a great organization and hopefully bring excitement and entertainment to New Brunswick.”
Bjorklund will finish out the weekend with the Buffaloes before he leaves to join his new team in New Brunswick on Monday. Team Canada’s roster will be split into three teams who will play against the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Sweden and the United States.
The challenge will run from November 3rd to 10th in Saint John and Quispamsis, N.B.