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Corbeil's Ben Gaudreau has not had a chance to play much hockey this season but despite his lack of playing time, Gaudreau has been named to Team Canada's Under-18 team which will hit the ice in late April in Texas.
Hockey Canada has unveiled the 25 players named to Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team for the 2021 IIHF U18 World Championship, April 26-May 6 in Frisco and Plano, Texas.
Three goaltenders, eight defencemen and 14 forwards were selected by Alan Millar, director of player personnel, and Benoit Roy, manager of national teams.
See related: Gaudreau and Arnsby invited to Team Canada U18 camp
Gaudreau, who has been waiting patiently to hear if the OHL season will take place, was excited to get the good news.
"It’s pretty special especially with how the way the last year has gone," said Gaudreau, who has been training in the GTA.
"Gaudreau, who took part in Team Canada's U17 virtual program last summer, didn’t know if he would make it since he has not played in over a year.
"A couple days before I got the call I was hearing some rumblings and things really started to set in and since then I’ve been very excited and can’t wait to go represent Canada and my hometown's of Corbeil and North Bay," Gaudreau told BayToday.
"I’d like to thank everyone that’s helped me get to this place and that’s been there from the start and through this last year of COVID-19."
The roster features 23 players who played for Team Canada Black, Team Canada Red or Team Canada White at the 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Medicine Hat, Alta., and Swift Current, Sask.
“We are excited to announce the 25 players that have been selected to wear the Maple Leaf at the 2021 IIHF U18 World Championship. Despite a difficult year for our players and staff, we are confident this group will represent our country with pride while giving us a chance to compete for a gold medal in Texas,” said Millar.
“We are also pleased to have Dave, Mike and Gordie as a part of our coaching staff, and to welcome a number of excellent support staff who bring unique skills to our team. We know the extensive experience of our coaching staff and the dedication of our support staff will greatly benefit our team at the world championship.”
Gaudreau, a 2019 first-round pick by the Sarnia Sting, got into 28 games with the OHL club last year and finished with a 4.11 goals-against average and a .890 save percentage. The former Trappers star netminder also played four games for Team Canada Black at the Under-17 event in the fall of 2019.
