Pickering leads Canada’s entry at World Under-18 Championship
Owen Pickering of the Swift Current Broncos will headline Canada’s entry at the 2022 IIHF World Under-18 Championship.
Pickering, No. 32 in FCHockey’s Spring ranking for the 2022 NHL Draft, had 33 points (nine goals, 24 assists) in 62 games this season. He is the highest-ranked eligible for the 2022 draft on Team Canada. He is joined by David Goyette (No. 36), Rieger Lorenz (No. 40), Pano Fimis (No. 77), Spencer Sova (No. 85), and Grayden Siepmann (No. 96) as players ranked within the top-100 at FCHockey.
“We are excited to unveil the 25 players that will wear the Maple Leaf at the 2022 IIHF U18 World Championship and take on the challenge of winning a second-consecutive gold medal,” said Alan Millar, director of player personnel for Hockey Canada. “For many of these players, this is the first time they will represent their country in international competition, and we know they are excited for the opportunity to compete on the world stage.”
The team has plenty of star power for the 2023 draft, too.
Connor Bedard, a projected No. 1 pick for the 2023 NHL Draft, was also named to the team. Bedard scored 50 goals with the Regina Pats this season, becoming the youngest player in Western Hockey League history to reach the mark at at 16 years, nine months, and one day. Joining Bedard is Adam Fantilli — fellow highly-regarded 2023 prospect. Fantilli, 17, had 74 points (37 goals, 37 assists) in 54 games with the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League this season.
Forwards: Connor Bedard, Josh Davies, Kocha Delic, Adam Fantilli, Josh Filmon, Pano Fimis, David Goyette, Tanner Howe, Connor Hvidston, Rieger Lorenz, Nick Moldenhauer, Grayden Siepmann, Mathew Ward, Matthew Wood
Defensemen: Nolan Collins, Lukas Dragicevic, Michael Mastrodomenico, Matthew Morden, Kalem Parker, Owen Pickering, Grayden Siepmann, Spencer Sova
Goaltenders: Ethan Buenaventura, Nolan Lalonde, Reid Dyck