Martensville’s Cohen Klassen is one of three Warman U18AAA Wilddcats who will be playing for Team Saskatchewan at the 2023 WHL Cup in October (Gazette file photo by Wayne Shiels)

Three  members of the Warman U18AAA Wildcats are among the twenty players from Saskatchewan selected to represent their province in  the upcoming 2023 WHL Cup in Red Deer, Alberta October 18-22.

The final Team Saskatchewan Male Under-16 (U16) roster consists of two goaltenders, six defencemen, and 12 forwards from across Saskatchewan.

Goaltenders are Max Kabrud (Saskatoon)  and Jackson Dunn (Regina).

Defencemen include :Warman Wildcats Jack Lavallee (Saskatoon), Nigel Boehm (Corman Park), Griffin Darby (Swift Current), William Degagne (Saskatoon), Eric Danberg (Saskatoon) and Jack Missura (Saskatoon).  

Warman Wildcats Cohen Klassen (Martensville) and Beckett Hamilton (Humboldt)are among the forwards selected. Others include Kash Alger-East (Meadow Lake), Dayne Beuker (Humboldt), Owen Chapman (Saskatoon), Carson Deichert (Moose Jaw), Davey Fisher (Saskatoon), Cohen Harris (Humboldt), Chase Peterson (Mossbank), Boston Schmidt (Pilot Butte), Jonah Sivertson (Regina) and Caine Wilke (Saskatoon).

“This journey began last December, with a vision to harness and nurture the incredible talent that Saskatchewan has to offer. Through a rigorous selection process, intense training camps, and spirited tournament play, we’ve watched these players evolve,” said Joel Houseman, Director of Operations of Sask First. “The WHL Cup marks the culmination of our 2022-23 program, showcasing the extraordinary growth and potential of our squad. Together, we’ll carry the pride of Saskatchewan onto the ice, ready to leave our mark in Red Deer.”

As is the tradition at the WHL Cup, Team Saskatchewan will be competing against provincial teams from Alberta, Manitoba and British Columbia. The teams will battle it out for the tournament’s top spot, and at the same time, 2008-born players will be looking to impress the junior-league scouts expected to be in attendance.

Established in 2009, the WHL Cup is held every season except in years when the Canada Winter Games are contested. Saskatchewan won its lone gold medal in 2019, defeating Manitoba 4-2 in the final. This year will mark the 10th WHL Cup, formerly known as the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup.

Next month’s round-robin tournament followed by playoffs will be played exclusively at Peavey Mart Centrium. Team Saskatchewan will open their WHL Cup schedule against Team B.C. at 7 p.m. MT on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023.

Team Saskatchewan will be led by head coach Ryan McDonald. He will be joined by assistant coaches Brett Pilkington and Mark Peterson along with video coach Todd White, equipment manager Josh Brown and athletic therapist Kacey Marcinkiw.