Manitoba Junior Hockey League

Thursday, October 2, 2008

WINNIPEG  – The first step to the World Junior A Challenge begins this weekend for 17 members of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL).

The 17 MJHL players will participate in a three-day evaluation camp this weekend in Yorkton, Sk. Players from the Saskatchewan Junior and The Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) will also be participating in the camp, which will be held at the Gallagher Centre.

“This is a great opportunity for our players to showcase their talents and see how they compare to other top Junior A players,” Kim Davis, Commissioner of the MJHL said. “It’s another great step towards the development of both our league and our players.”

Members of Team Western will be announced later this month. The World Junior A Challenge runs Nov. 2-9. Earlier this year Leonard Strandberg, former MJHL General Manager had been named General Manager of Team Western.

Selected from the MJHL are:

FORWARDS

* Craig Simchuk (89)
* Tim Hayduk (90)
Winnipeg Saints

* Zeanan Buternowski (89)
OCN Blizzard

* Adam Stoykewich (90)
* Colin Phaneuf (90)
Winnipeg South Blues

* Shane Luke (90)
Dauphin Kings

* Josh Schappert (89)
* Michael Wilgosh (90)
* Colan Jackson (90)
Selkirk Steelers

* Ryan Duhaime(90)
Waywayceecappo Wolverines

DEFENCE

* Caleb Suderman (89)
Winkler Flyers

* Dale Warkentin (90)
OCN Blizzard

* Eddie Friesen (90)
* Brent Wilson (90)
Portage Terriers

* Scott Macaulay (90)
Winnipeg Saints

* Steve Shamanski (89)
Dauphin Kings

GOALTENDER

* Chris Ward (89)
Swan Valley Stampeders

The 2008 World Junior A Challenge will follow the same format as previous years – two Canadian entries will be joined by four international teams. Canada West, Russia and Belarus will compete in Group A, while Canada East, the USA and Germany will make up Group B. The group winners will receive an automatic bye to the semi-finals, while the second and third place teams will crossover for the quarterfinals.