Projected 2020 top-10 NHL draft picks Quinton Byfield and Cole Perfetti headline the 22-man roster that will represent Canada at the upcoming Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Hockey Canada announced the list of players that will represent the country as it looks to defend its gold-medal victory on home soil last year.
This year’s tournament will take place in Breclav, Czech Republic and Piestany, Slovakia from Aug. 5 to Aug. 10.
The Canadian squad was finalized following a five-day selection camp with 44 players in Calgary.
“We were pleased with the level of competition at selection camp, and our staff is confident in the 22 players that have earned their spot on Team Canada for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup,” said Brad McEwen, head scout for Hockey Canada, in a press release.
“The skill and intensity showed by all 44 players at camp made our decisions difficult, but we know our players and staff will embrace the opportunity to wear the Maple Leaf as we look to bring home a gold medal.”
Canada opens the Hlinka Gretzky Cup with a game against Finland on Aug. 5. It will face off against Slovakia in a pre-tournament tune-up on Aug. 3.
Canada has won gold at the under-18 competition 22 out of 28 years.
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