Kujawinski ready for U-17 Hockey Challenge
Often masked by the buzz of the Under-20 tournament, the Under-17 Hockey Challenge also takes place over the holiday season preparing the next crop of young talent for international play. The tournament serves as the first step in Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence and displays the best-of-the-best from across the globe.
This year the seven-day tournament will be held in Windsor, Ont. from Dec. 29 – Jan. 4 and will be comprised of the traditional five Canadian teams – Ontario, Pacific, West, Atlantic and Quebec – in addition to five European squads – Czech Republic, Russia, USA, Sweden and Germany.
The Sarnia Sting will be represented by rookie forward Ryan Kujawinski who has been named to Team Ontario’s roster. Kujawinski is eager to play in a tournament that has produced over 1,100 NHL draft picks since 1986, on a team that has captured gold three of the past four years.
“It was a great honour,” said Kujawinski. “This will be my first time playing at an international level like this.”
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Kujawinski played with many of his U-17 teammates at last year’s U-16 regional tournament. He also skated with many of the same players at the U-17 camp in Thunderbay over the summer.
As a native of Iroqouis Falls, Ont., Kujawinski had a chance to check out the U-17 tournament first hand when it was hosted in nearby Timmons, Ont. in 2010. Current Sting teammate Brett Ritchie was a member of that squad – where he also experienced his first taste of international competition.
“[Playing against European teams] is definitely a lot different than what we’re used to here in North America,” said Ritchie. “It’s an eye opener but at the same time it’s a lot of fun.”
Team Ontario ended up losing the championship game to the USA in a 2-1 final – their lone silver medal after capturing gold the past three of four years.
“It was a bit heartbreaking,” confessed Ritchie. “But anytime you can play for your country like that is an honour.”
Ritchie went on to suit up for Team Canada at other international competitions including the Under-18 tournament in 2011 where he put up seven points in seven games.
“To get that under-17 experience helped me out a lot in those tournaments,” said Ritchie. “It gives you an idea of what the rest of the world’s like in terms of competition.”
Ritchie’s younger brother Nicholas – playing for the Peterborough Petes – has followed in Brett’s footsteps and will be playing alongside Kujawinski at this year’s U-17 tournament.
Kujawinski (4th overall) and Ritchie (2nd overall) were both first round picks in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection. Rounding out the top five were Aaron Ekblad (Barrie), Darnell Nurse (Sault Ste. Marie) and Jordan Subban (Belleville) – all of whom will be playing for Team Ontario.
“I think we have a good team going into the tournament,” said Kujawinski. “It’s going to be an unbelievable experience.”
Kitchener Rangers’ assistant coach Troy Smith will be taking on the head coaching duties, being promoted from his three years of service as an assistant.
Team Ontario is slotted against Team Germany for their opening match on December 29th.
