Jonathan Smart is one of 22 players chosen to wear the national jersey for the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup in the Czech Republic and Slovakia Aug. 8 to Aug. 13, 2016
Image Credit: Contributed
August 04, 2016 - 1:00 PM
KELOWNA – A Kelowna Rockets defenceman has been named to Team Canada’s men’s summer under-18 team and will compete in the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup.
Jonathan Smart is one of 22 players chosen to wear the red jersey for the tournament in the Czech Republic and Slovakia Aug. 8 to Aug. 13, according to a Kelowna Rockets media release.
As a rookie on the Kelowna Rockets last season, Smart scored two goals and five assists over 44 games. He was the Rockets first pick in the 2014 WHL draft.
The national men’s summer U-18 squad, led by head coach Paul McFarland, will go for their ninth consecutive gold medal and 21st overall since the tournament started 25 years ago.
Hockey Canada’s director of player personnel Ryan Jankowski says the Memorial Cup is a unique event involving the best young players in the country.
“Canadians can expect good speed, size, and talent from this year’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team,” he says in the release. “It is a well-balanced group of players. The players and our team staff are excited and ready to represent Canada with pride once again.”
Team Canada will play in Group B with Russia, Slovakia, and Sweden and will face the Czech Republic in a pre-tournament game on Aug. 6. They also officially open the tournament Aug. 8 against Slovakia.
The gold-medal game is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 13.
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