Eight WHLers were named to Team Canada ahead of the World U-17 Hockey Challenge set to take place in Charlottetown and Summerside, P.E.I.
The World's best U-17 players are set to light up Prince Edward Island at this year's World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Among them will be 14 WHL players that have been split between Team Canada Red and Team Canada White. Here is a look at the eight players that will be representing Team Red at the tournament.
Gavin McKenna, LW, Medicine Hat
It is safe to say all eyes will be on Gavin McKenna heading into the tournament. The 15-year-old already has 20 points through his first 14 games of the season and comes into the event on a three-game point streak. If he can continually produce against older competition, as he has shown so far during his short WHL career, fans in P.E.I could be in for a show as he takes on the best in his own age group.
Cole Reschny, C, Victoria Royals
One rookie that has flown under the radar this year has been Cole Reschny. The Victoria Royals center has 14 points in 14 games and is currently riding a nine-game point streak in the WHL. Drafted third overall in 2022, he is showing scouts why he will be a top prospect heading into the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle Thundebirds
Braeden Cootes is the perfect example of a player who has an impact on a nightly basis, even if he doesn't end up on the scoresheet. He is strong on his feet, can slow the game down and understands the value of puck possession. Look for him to play a depth role for Team Red as he helps shut down the opposition's top lines.
Chase Harrington, LW, Spokane Cheifs
Chase Harrington is a great combination of speed and skill that can consistently get pucks on the net. He has registered a shot in all but one of his ten games this season with Spokane and is starting to show off his playmaking ability of late. He should provide some solid depth and be able to chip in with some points throughout the tournament.
Reese Hamilton, D, Calgary Hitmen
Reese Hamilton is the definition of the modern-day defenceman. While he isn't the biggest defender, he is very intelligent and understands how to use his strong body positioning to separate the opposition from the puck. A two-way threat with goals in three of his last five WHL games, expect him to be used in every situation for Team Red at this year's tournament.
Peyton Kettles, D, Swift Current Broncos
Listed at 6'3", 185 pounds, Peyton Kettles is hard to miss on the ice. The Swift Current Broncos defender uses his size and long reach to his advantage as he can create turnovers either through physical force or strong stick sweeps. Watch for him to be used in a shutdown role and on the penalty kill for Team Red.
Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City Americans
Another big defenceman expected to play a shutdown role, Jackson Smith, will be a key of Team Red's blue line. Listed at 6'3", 190 pounds, he can play a physical game without taking penalties. Another player destined to play on the penalty kill, he could lay some massive hits throughout the tournament.
Connor Schmidt, D, Moose Jaw Warriors
A strong skater who likes to jump up in the play, it will be interesting to see how Team Red deploys Connor Schmidt. He has shown good consistency this season with getting shots on net and could be a player that gets some time as part of the team's second power play unit. If he has a strong tournament and can showcase his strengths, it should help make him even more confident heading into the rest of the WHL season.
Canada Red plays their first game on November 2nd against Finland as they look to be crowned Champions for the first time.