STEEL LEFT OFF CANADA’S WORLD JUNIOR INVITE LIST
Hockey Canada unveiled its list of invites on Tuesday for their annual World Junior Hockey Championship selection camp later this month in Toronto. Of the 30 players invited, 10 are from the Western Hockey League but the list did not include 17-year old Regina Pats forward Sam Steel.
Steel was listed as an “A-Prospect” by the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau for this June’s NHL Entry Draft, however Canada’s roster features mostly players who’ve already been drafted. Here’s the list:
Defencemen:
Haydn Fleury, Carlyle, SK, Red Deer Rebels
Joe Hicketts, Kamloops, BC, Victoria Royals
Noah Juulsen, Abbotsford, BC, Everett Silvertips
Travis Sanheim, Elkhorn, MB, Calgary Hitmen
Forwards:
Mathew Barzal, Coquitlam, BC, Seattle Thunderbirds
Rourke Chartier, Saskatoon, SK, Kelowna Rockets
Jayce Hawryluk, Roblin, MB, Brandon Wheat Kings
Nick Merkley, Calgary, AB, Kelowna Rockets
Brayden Point, Calgary, AB, Moose Jaw Warriors
John Quenneville, Edmonton, AB, Brandon Wheat Kings
Sam Steel's best days of junior hockey are still ahead. He'll wear that maple leaf sooner or later.
Jake DeBrusk missing the cut is a travesty.
Good news for the Pats and its fans, sad news for Sam Steel.
Remember folks … Brayden Point was the extra forward last year. Sam Steel nowhere close to that class right now.
Pats generally over rate their players. Hockey Canada tends to know what they are doing.
Steel being left off is completely expected. There are only two 17 year old's invited and they're both expected to go in the top 10 in the 2016 Draft. Jakob Chychrun is likely to go 2nd or 3rd overall. Him and Dubois still need to make the team themselves. There were no '98 WHLers invited, which would also include Patrick(top 10 in '17 draft), Clague, Benson, Bean, etc.. It's an 18/19 year old tournament. These guys will go through the Under-18's first. This is in no way a snub to Steel, so don't make it out to be. Next year… Read more »
Most of the kids invited are 19…his time will come
It would be interesting if Canada could send 3 teams. Western canada – Ontario – Quebec/Maritimes. Every year talented palyers don't make the team
3 dilluted teams would never medal, canada is not that much better than anyone else
that's good, he's too young for that team right now
Were you actually expecting that he was going to be on the team? If so, you are as dense as Andrews.
Another chickenshit blog sniper takes a shot…duh! Why don't a$$#0!35 like you ever take a positive approach to your thinking?!
World Junior Invite List? Why would he be invited? He didn't even make the Canada/Russia Super Series, which is the prelude event to picking the invites. He's not even close to being in the running for this event
FG above nailed it. Lots of good 98's in the dub. Patrick, Clague and Bean all as good as Steel. Benson close as well. These guys will be the face of Team Canada in 2 years. The only thing I'd question is inviting the 2 98's that they did. Likely not there when the dust settles anyhow.
Steel wont ever make the WJC squad. To small and not good enough defensively. He's good defensively, just not good enough, nor will he be strong enough. The kid looks weak. For him he should be focusing on putting on size and strength and hopefully making the NHL by the time he is 23 or 24. He was an amazing 16 year old but unfortunately hasn't progressed much since last year. I love watching Sam play and have always backed him, however I am a realist and the eye test this year says he is still a top player on… Read more »
hahaaha. There was no shot taken…. if you cant take reality then thats on you pal. I stated that I love watching Sam play and that he is a top player on his team. Its a$$hol3s like you who make up lies and say he will be able to make the team and Sam gets wind of it and believes it and then we all end up disappointed and blaming Hockey Canada saying that they screwed him when he doesnt get the call, kinda like what is happening right now. Get over it pal, Sam is a very good hockey… Read more »
For some reason this blog has hardly mentioned that Brayden Point is invited. Oh yeah he plays down the road in Moose Jaw.
Steele is a good player who will get his chance
GO WARRIORS!!!
The reason nobody mentioned Brayen Point is because he is a slam dunk to be on that team.