Kyren Gronick named to Hockey Canada U17 Summer camp

Hockey Canada has announced a roster of 113 players, which include Kyren Gronick of the Regina Pat Canadians,  invited to its virtual national under-17 development camp, set for July 19-25, as well as the coaching staffs that will lead Canada’s national men’s under-17 teams at the 2020 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, presented by TELUS.

12 goaltenders, 37 defencemen and 64 forwards will be split into six teams for the week-long virtual camp, participating in a variety of sessions with a focus on player development through online education.

Behind the bench, Kelly Buchberger (Langenburg, Sask./Tri-City, WHL) will head Team Canada White, with Stéphane Julien (Shawinigan, Que./Sherbrooke, QMJHL) leading Team Canada Black and Chris Lazary (Toronto/Saginaw, OHL) serving as head coach of Team Canada Red.

Joining Buchberger’s staff will be assistant coaches Maxime Desruisseaux (Victoriaville, Que./Victoriaville, QMJHL) and Chad Wiseman (Burlington, Ont./Guelph, OHL), while Josh Hepditch (Fredericton, N.B./Moncton, QMJHL) and Ryan Kuwabara (Hamilton, Ont./Flint, OHL) will work with Julien, and Kris Mallette (Kelowna, B.C./Kelowna, WHL) and Brad Yetman (Mount Pearl, N.L./Rouyn-Noranda, QMJHL) will assist Lazary.

“The national under-17 development camp is the first stage in introducing these athletes to the Program of Excellence, and it is a great opportunity for them to develop as players and learn what it takes to wear the Maple Leaf,” said Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of national teams with Hockey Canada. “Our three under-17 teams are very fortunate to have these nine experienced coaches, and we know our coaching and support staffs will embrace the opportunity to guide the development of the top young players in Canada.”

The 2020 edition of the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge will be presented by TELUS, Hockey Canada’s official telecommunications partner and title sponsor of the TELUS Cup, Canada’s National U18 Club Championship. Through its signature community hockey program, “The Code”, TELUS provides meaningful tools, information and inspiration to players, families, coaches and fans to end bullying and encourage positive behaviour online and on the ice.

For more information on Hockey Canada and the Program of Excellence, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook and Twitter.