Nolan DeJong would love nothing more than to repeat what former Victoria Grizzlies teammate Wes Myron managed to pull off last season - bring home gold from the World Junior A Hockey Challenge.
The 17-year-old Grizzlies defenceman will stand proud during the national anthem tonight when he and his Canada West teammates face the U.S. in the championship game in Yarmouth, N.S.
The final goes at 3: 30 p.m. Pacific time and will be broadcast on TSN2.
"It's been unbelievable how we have managed to pull out wins against some great teams," DeJong said of Canada West's perfect run so far. "We have demonstrated our character again and again.
"We have been taking care of the small details on and off the ice and that has translated to wins."
Heading to the University of Michigan next season, DeJong continues to do what is asked of him at the six-team international tournament.
"Personally, I have been put in a limited role, but do my best to contribute in any way possible," he said. "It's been a great experience and I have been soaking it all in and learning as much a possible from veteran players, while still doing my best to be an impact player."
DeJong is joined on the team by Victoria native Wade Murphy (a former Grizzly and current Penticton Vee who played in the CJHL Prospects game during the same event last season), Qualicum Beach's Evan Tironese (Alberni Valley Bulldogs) and Nanaimo's Evan Richardson (Powell River Kings).
The prestigious tournament has featured a number of National Hockey League prospects including Nail Yakupov, Kyle Turris, Joe Colborne, Jaden Schwartz and Evgeny Kuznetsov.
Myron was selected by the Vancouver Canucks at last season's NHL Entry Draft.
ICE CHIPS: Grizzlies forward Dante Hahn is also out east playing in the CJHL Prospects Games slated for last night and this afternoon. [email protected] Twitter/tc_vicsports
