The Hockey Development Centre for Ontario (HDCO) announced the 22-man roster today for Ontario's Under-17 Team that will compete at the upcoming 2014 World Hockey Challenge being held in Cape Breton Nova Scotia from December 29, 2013 through January 4, 2014.

Twelve of the twenty two players selected for Team Ontario played on one of two OMHA teams at the OHL Gold Cup this past spring before moving on to the OHL ranks. Players include top 2013 OHL Priority Selections Matthew Spencer (Oakville), Hayden McCool (Whitby), Kyle Capobianco (Mississauga), Brett McKenzie (Vars), Garrett McFadden (Kincardine), Matthre Kreis (Halton) and Justin Lemcke (Whitby). 

“The OMHA has a long and proud tradition of developing some of the top hockey talent in the world.” said Ian Taylor, OMHA Director of Development. “We continue to take pride in giving players the necessary tools to succeed in the high performance stream of Hockey Canada Programing.” 

“I am impressed with the players we have selected to represent Ontario at this year’s World Hockey Challenge. Every player going through the Under-17 evaluation process is committed to excellence, which makes it difficult when making decisions on who will ultimately make the team. There is always disappointment for those players who are not selected, however, we as a staff believe that we have put together a group of athletes who will represent Ontario with honour and class both on and off the ice and are capable of winning the Gold medal at this year's World Hockey Challenge stated Director of Operations Barclay Branch."

"The skill level of the players selected to represent Ontario at this year's event is remarkable and indicates that the minor hockey system in Ontario is continuing to produce high performance athletes as well as quality citizens stated head coach Roger Hunt.”

The team will depart for Cape Breton on December 27 where they will begin play in the World Hockey Challenge on December 29, 2013 with a preliminary game against Germany. The tournament features 10 teams, 5 regional teams and 5 International teams in 2 conferences. The 2 top teams from each conference will advance to the semi-finals while the remaining 3 teams from each group will crossover for placement games. Team Ontario will play in a conference with Germany, Team Atlantic, Russia and the USA.

The Hockey Development Centre for Ontario (HDCO) facilitates the Men’s Under-17 hockey program on behalf of the 3 Ontario Branches of Hockey Canada.

Click here for the Official announcement and full roster.