A Penticton Vees defenceman is heading down to the Lower Mainland this November to wear the red and white maple leaf at an international showcase.
Gabriel Guilbault has been selected to play for Team Canada Red at the upcoming World U-17 Hockey Challenge in Langley and Delta from Nov. 3 to 12.
The Vees blueliner will play for one of the three Canadian teams at the tournament, with the other two being Team Black and Team White. Squads from the United States, Czechia, Finland and Sweden will also be at the showcase.
“Gabe is an upcoming elite defenceman, and this is a well-deserved honour in making one of Canada’s Under-17 teams,” said Fred Harbinson, the Vees’ head coach, general manager and president. “I am confident he will do an outstanding job representing Canada, the Vees, and the B.C. Hockey League at the tournament.”
Guilbault, a 16-year-old from Burnaby, has suited up in three games for the undefeated Vees this season. He spent last season with the Burnaby Winter Club Under-18 Prep team in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League.
The World U-17 Hockey Challenge will see teams play six preliminary-round games, with the top four finishers getting an advance to the medal round.
Nov. 3 will mark the tournament’s first games since 2019, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guilbault will be out of the Vees lineup for a maximum of four games in November because of the tournament.
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