Vancouver Giant Blake Chorney Joins Canada U17 Team
Vancouver Giants centre Blake Chorney is set to represent Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, marking another big step in the young player’s career.
The 16-year-old from Saskatchewan, who recently scored his first-ever Western Hockey League (WHL) goal, was named to Team Canada Red for the international tournament taking place in Truro, Nova Scotia, from November 2 to 8.
“We would like to congratulate Blake on his selection to Canada’s U17 Red Team,” said Giants general manager Hnat Domenichelli. “He’s had an excellent start to the season and this recognition is well deserved.”
This will be Chorney’s first time donning the maple leaf, after previously representing Saskatchewan at the WHL Cup. The U17 Challenge is a key development event for identifying players who may go on to represent Canada in the U18 and U20 programs.
Program of Excellence general manager Alan Millar said the selection is part of nurturing the country’s future hockey stars.
“This is an important step in their development and a tremendous opportunity to compete internationally,” he said. “We have assembled two strong teams to defend our back-to-back gold medals.”
In his first WHL season with the Giants, Chorney has notched three goals and two assists in nine games, leading all Giants rookies in points. His first WHL goal came earlier this month in his home province, celebrated with a cheering section of about 20 family members.
“The first one was huge,” he said. “They were screaming pretty loud for me.”
Chorney joins a growing list of Vancouver Giants to wear the Canadian jersey at this level. Ryan Lin and Cameron Schmidt both captured gold at previous U17 tournaments, while Brett Olson earned silver.
Among the 19 WHL players chosen for this year’s event, Chorney will wear #22 for Canada Red.
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