Thursday 15 November 2012

Reid Duke Selected For U-17's Team Pacific

Lethbridge Hurricanes Forward Reid Duke has been chosen to represent Team Pacific at the upcoming 2013 World Junior Under 17 Hockey Challenge in Victoriaville/Drummondville Quebec December 29th-January 4th. Duke was one of 22 players identified after Hockey Alberta and BC Hockey held a joint regional camp this past July.

Duke, the Hurricanes 1st round (5th overall) draft pick in 2011 follows in the footsteps of Jay Merkley and Macoy Erkamps who suited up for Team Pacific last year while Craig Leverton and Remi Laurencelle were part of Team West. In 22 games for the Hurricanes this season, Duke is 3rd in rookie scoring with 6 points (6A) with a plus-7 plus/minus rating. As a 15-year old last season he played in 12 games registering 6 points (2G, 4A) The native of Calgary, AB has also represented Canada on the international stage as Duke was named to Team Canada that competed at the 2012 Winter Youth Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria.

The 2013 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge brings together the top players in the world born 1996 or later. The tournament is made up of 10 teams; five (5) from Canada – Quebec, Ontario, Pacific (Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Yukon), Atlantic (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island) and West (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut) and five (5) international teams.

Team Pacific will be competing in Group A with Team West, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Group B will comprise of Slovakia, the United States, Ontario, Team Atlantic and Quebec. Team Pacific will play an exhibition game against the United States on December 28, 2012 before they play their first preliminary round contest against defending gold medallist Russia on December 29, 2012.

(From Esther Madziya, Hurricanes Media Relations)
Thanks,
Pat

5 comments:

  1. Good for Reid!

    So far, I would guess that Reid is disappointed with his year.

    I was afraid that because it has taken him nearly twice as many games to achieve the same point totals as last year (on a better team, and with more ice time, and yet still without a goal), that he might be passed over for national opportunities like this; maybe the decision was actually made before the year started?

    He has shown that he has the skills of a star. He seems to be working hard, so not sure why the points aren't coming easier for him this year so far.

    Hopefully, Duke's and Wong's first (of many) goals come TONIGHT! - Richie.

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  2. Richie,

    "Duke was one of 22 players identified after Hockey Alberta and BC Hockey held a joint regional camp this past July."

    So yah, the decision was made in the summer.

    You can see greatness in some of Duke's plays. he's got determination and heart too, which will go a long way. Hopefully he will get a goal VERY soon!!

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  3. Have no fear!
    Duke's goals will appear!
    It might take a good part of the year!
    Just like it has taken Merkly to have his talent make the fans do a loud cheer!

    Ok....that was sick!

    Duke has a lot of skill and grit, it will just take some time, but when he clicks, it will be the start of something along the lines of Merkly.

    RJ

    2 Hurricane wins over the weekend means....1st in the East!

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  4. I have to think Pilon and Olynek are a sure thing to make team West. Olynek leads the SK Midget League in scoring:
    Kolten Olynek RW S'toon Contacts 13 13 15 28
    Also a good chance Sayers makes the squad. He is the highest scoring Dman in the SK Midget League:
    Bryton Sayers D PA Mintos 14 5 12 17
    In the MB Midget League Colt Conrad is only a 15 year old but his numbers are really good. He is 11th overall in League scoring and also is the top point getter on his team:
    Colt Conrad F PVHawks 10 6 11 17
    As we all know the Canes have a boatload of talent playing in the WHL right now and the club has these and other kids in the system. Great time to be a Canes fan.
    canesrock

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  5. Rj @ 1:14
    You are correct about The Canes being alone in first in the entire Eastern Conference if they win both of their games. It does not matter who else in the East wins ties or whatever. Canes win both games and they are first place in the Eastern Conference. When was the last time anyone could say that? Probably at least 4 years ago or more. That would mean this weekend’s games, and even more so tonight’s game with the Raiders are by far the most important games almost any, if not all, the Canes players have ever played in the Dub.
    If the Canes win tonight’s game they are alone in first in the entire Eastern Conference at least for a day or two. Also if we win tonight, regardless of what any other teams does, the Canes will be tied for the third best record in the entire WHL.
    If anyone would have wanted to bet me on the above scenario at the start of the year, I would have bet my house and maybe even 2 out of my kids 3 against it.
    GOOOOO CANES.
    canesrock

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