Guenther, Clarke among eligibles named to Canada’s U18 entry
Brandt Clarke, a top prospect for the 2021 NHL Draft, was among 25 players announced by Hockey Canada to Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team for the 2021 IIHF World Under 18 Championship.
The tournament runs from April 26 to May 6 in Frisco and Plano, Texas.
“We are excited to announce the 25 players that have been selected to wear the Maple Leaf at the 2021 IIHF U18 World Championship. Despite a difficult year for our players and staff, we are confident this group will represent our country with pride while giving us a chance to compete for a gold medal in Texas,” Alan Millar, director of player personnel for Hockey Canada, said in a release.
“We are also pleased to have Dave, Mike and Gordie as a part of our coaching staff, and to welcome a number of excellent support staff who bring unique skills to our team. We know the extensive experience of our coaching staff and the dedication of our support staff will greatly benefit our team at the world championship.”
Clarke, who with the Barrie Colts last season was named to the Ontario Hockey League’s first all-rookie team, had 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) in 26 games with HC Nove Zamky in Slovakia. The defenseman was No. 1 in FCHockey’s preliminary ranking for the 2021 draft in November, and is No. 6 in FCHockey’s Winter ranking for the 2021 draft.
Also named to the team is forward Dylan Guenther. Guenther, No. 9, leads the Western Hockey League with nine goals this season, and is second with 18 points (nine goals, nine assists).
In all, nine players ranked inside the first round of FCHockey’s Winter ranking for the 2021 draft have been invited, including Clarke, Guenther, Mason McTavish (12), Corson Ceulemeans (17), Brennan Othmann (18), Francesco Pinelli (22), Brett Harrison (23), Logan Stankoven (28), and Benjamin Gaudreau (29).
UPDATES:
- Carson Lambos, who was named to the original roster, was pulled out of the tournament due to an injury. He has been replaced by 2022-eligible Denton Mateychuk.
- Cole Sillinger, who was named to the original roster, was pulled out of the tournament due to COVID protocol.
ROSTER
Goaltenders: Tyler Brennan, Benjamin Gaudreau, Thomas Milic.
Defensemen: Nolan Allan, Corson Ceulemeans, Brandt Clarke, Ethan Del Mastro, Denton Mateychuk, Jack Matier, Guillaume Richard, Olen Zellweger.
Forwards: Connor Bedard, Dylan Guenther, Brett Harrison, Wyatt Johnston, Mason McTavish, Brennan Othmann, Francesco Pinelli, Conner Roulette, Logan Stankoven, Chase Stillman, Ryan Winterton, Shane Wright, Danny Zhilkin.