Team Loaded with WHL Talent

By HF Staff
Saskatchewan Hockey Association and Manitoba Hockey announced the roster for Team Western which will compete in the Under 17 World Hockey Challenge in Selkirk and Stonewall, Manitoba from December 29, 2001 to January 4, 2002. The roster includes 20 players that are either currently playing in the Western Hockey League or are on a WHL Club’s 50 Player List. The roster includes 11 players from Saskatchewan and 11 players from Manitoba.

Team Western departs for Winnipeg on December 26th. Team Western will see its first action in an exhibition game against Russia on Friday, December 28th. Tournament play begins Saturday, December 29th versus Germany.

Goaltenders:
Rejean Beauchemin, Winnipeg Warriors AAA midget, Listed by Prince Albert Raiders
Josh Lepp, Kelowna Rockets – WHL

Defencemen:
Paul Albers, Calgary Hitmen – WHL
Braydon Coburn, Portland Winter Hawks – WHL
Dustin DeGagne, Winnipeg South Blues,MJHL.
Josh Pokol, Kamloops Blazers – WHL
Derek Poplawski, St. James Canadiens – MJHL, Listed by Swift Current Broncos
Stewart Thiessen, Pembina Valley AAA midget, Listed by Lethbridge Hurricanes

> Forwards:
Kyle Annesley, Calgary Hitmen – WHL
Mitch Carefoot, Dauphin Kings – MJHL, Listed by Brandon Wheat Kings
Nigel Dawes, Kootenay Ice – WHL
Eric Fehr, Brandon Wheat Kings – WHL
Jesse Fischer, Saskatoon Contacts AAA midget, Listed by Spokane Chiefs
Josh Froese, Pembina Valley Hawks AAA midget
Ryan Getzlaf, Calgary Hitmen – WHL
Luke Hunter, Swift Current Broncos – WHL
Chad Klassen, Spokane Chiefs – WHL
James Knight, Winnipeg South Blues – MJHL, Listed by Moose Jaw Warriors
Stefan Meyer, Medicine Hat Tigers – WHL
Brett Novak, Prince Albert Raiders – WHL
Mark Olafson, St. James Canadiens – MJHL, Listed by Kelowna Rockets
Andrew Zulyniak, St. James Canadiens – MJHL, Listed by Prince Albert Raiders