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

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Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

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.

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

Good news for the Pats and its fans, sad news for Sam Steel.

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

Remember folks … Brayden Point was the extra forward last year. Sam Steel nowhere close to that class right now.

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

Pats generally over rate their players. Hockey Canada tends to know what they are doing.

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

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 »

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

Most of the kids invited are 19…his time will come

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

It would be interesting if Canada could send 3 teams. Western canada – Ontario – Quebec/Maritimes. Every year talented palyers don't make the team

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago
Reply to  Anonymous

3 dilluted teams would never medal, canada is not that much better than anyone else

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

that's good, he's too young for that team right now

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

Were you actually expecting that he was going to be on the team? If so, you are as dense as Andrews.

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago
Reply to  Anonymous

Another chickenshit blog sniper takes a shot…duh! Why don't a$$#0!35 like you ever take a positive approach to your thinking?!

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

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

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

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.

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

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 »

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

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 »

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

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!!!

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

The reason nobody mentioned Brayen Point is because he is a slam dunk to be on that team.