By Western Hockey League

CALGARY, Alta. – The 2012 Western Canada Under-16 Challenge Cup is approaching as the top 1997-born players from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and B.C. prepare to battle for Western Canadian supremacy.

The Western Canada U-16 Challenge Cup will be held in Calgary, AB, at Father David Bauer arena from November 1^st – 4^th (For ticket and scheduling information, CLICK HERE)  It’s the third edition of the event, which was held in Blackfalds, AB, in 2009 and in Moose Jaw, SK, in 2011.

WHL.ca will take a look at each of the four entries in the tournament over the weeks leading up to the event.

Here’s a look at Team Saskatchewan

TEAM SASKATCHEWAN

Team Saskatchewan’s 20-man roster for the 2012 Western Canada Under-16 Challenge Cup is comprised entirely of players selected in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft, including three first-round picks and four second-round selections.

Led by Kootenay Ice prospect Troy Murray, the 10^th overall pick of the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft, Team Saskatchewan’s defence corps certainly stands out as the team’s strength.   Including Murray, Saskatchewan’s blue line boasts four of the top 25 picks from the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.

“I think our strength will be in our defence, for sure, and that’s where our toughest decisions had to be made,” said Saskatchewan head coach Bob Beatty of a Saskatchewan blue line that also boasts Brennan Riddle (17^th overall, Calgary), Tate Olson (24^th overall, Prince George), and Ethan Bear (25^th overall, Seattle).

Murray is the younger brother of current Everett Silvertips’ star Ryan Murray, who was drafted second overall by Columbus in the 2012 NHL Draft.  Beatty expects Murray to be a big contributor to the team’s defence corps.

“Troy is a very solid player, a smart player, and consistently does the right things out there, so we expect him to be an anchor back there for us,” said Beatty, who also coaches the SJHL’s La Ronge Ice Wolves.

Up front, Team Saskatchewan boasts good depth, in terms of offensive options.  Beatty says Saskatchewan’s forward contingent possesses plenty of speed and skill, and will need contributions from numerous sources in order to generate scoring, pointing to players like Kamloops Blazers’ first-rounder Jayden Halbgewachs and Calgary Hitmen prospect Terrell Draude among those likely to factor into the offense

“We’ve got some smaller players who can really skate and have a lot of skill,” said Beatty.  “Offensively, I think Jayden Halbgewachs and Terrell Draude, who has got a big frame, can score.

“A guy like Mathew Campese is a real competitor, plays hard and has a great work ethic…Lane Pederson is a guy who keeps getting better and better every time I see him play, and you can see his confidence growing.

“Cameron Hebig is a guy who is injured right now but should be ready to play in the tournament, and will definitely factor into the offense,” said Beatty.

Goaltending should also be a strong point for Team Saskatchewan with Seattle Thunderbirds’ third-round pick Logan Flodell and Prince George Cougars prospect Matt Kustra set to partner in the netminding platoon.

“Flodell, who is playing for the Regina Pat Canadians, is a player who I think definitely has the potential to be a starting goaltender in the WHL someday,” said Beatty.  “Kustra is a solid competitor and a great athlete.”

TEAM SASKATCHEWAN NOTES:  The Saskatchewan roster consists of two goaltenders, seven defencemen and 11 forwards…All 20 players on the Saskatchewan roster were selected in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft, including three first-round picks, four second-round, and six third-round selections…All seven defencemen on the Saskatchewan roster stand at least 6’0” tall…Forward Matthew Campese is the son of Prince Albert Raiders’ general manager Bruno Campese…Saskatchewan assistant coach Trevor Weisgerber is a former assistant coach with the Moose Jaw Warriors.