Prince Albert’s Braden Schneider will once again have the opportunity to represent his country on home soil.
The 16-year-old defenceman for the Western Hockey League’s Brandon Wheat Kings was named to Canada’s roster Wednesday for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, which will be held in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta. from Aug. 6-11.
This marks the second time that Schneider has played for Canada at an international tournament, as he had two points in six games for Canada White at the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge last fall.
Schneider took part in a selection camp in Calgary over the last three days, where he had an assist in three games and was paired up with Matthew Robertson of the Edmonton Oil Kings.
The blueliners are among 11 WHL players on Canada’s roster.
Kelowna Rockets defenceman Kaedan Korczak and Saskatoon Blades goaltender Nolan Maier, both of whom are from Yorkton, join Schneider as Saskatchewan products on the team.
Canada will play a pre-tournament game Saturday in Red Deer against the Czech Republic before opening up round-robin play Monday in Edmonton against Switzerland.
The newly rebranded tournament has been won by Canada 21 times, with their most recent title coming last August with a 4-1 win over the Czech Republic.
