After five days of intense competition, Hockey Canada has released the final 22 man roster for the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament, taking place August 7-12 in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
Six of the nine GTHL grads invited to selection camp made the final roster, including goaltender Alexis Gravel (Mississauga Senators) and 2016 first overall OHL pick Ryan Merkley (Jr. Canadiens). Former Don Mills Flyers captain Jack McBain, along with Akil Thomas (Toronto Marlboros), Kevin Bahl (Toronto Marlboros), and Barrett Hayton (Toronto Red Wings) also made the cut.
Canada will be looking for redemption at the tournament after failing medal last year for the first time since 2007. Many of the 22 players on the roster are anticipated to be selected in the first round at the 2018 NHL Draft.
Extremely honoured to have been selected to participate in the U18 Ivan Hlinka tournament ?? pic.twitter.com/l2p0HSsahB
— Ryan Merkley (@ryan_merkley) August 1, 2017
Extremely honoured to be selected to participate in the U18 Ivan Hlinka tournament.?? pic.twitter.com/e8qVTVWwYH
— alexis gravel (@agravel37) August 1, 2017