By Hockey Saskatchewan

REGINA, Sask. – Twenty standout players from across Saskatchewan have been named to represent their province at the upcoming 2024 WHL Cup.

The tournament, taking place in Red Deer, Alta., from October 22 to 27, 2024, will see Team Saskatchewan’s Male Under-16 (U16) squad aiming to capture the championship title.

The final roster includes two goaltenders, six defensemen, and 12 forwards, each selected from across the province. Full team details are available on the newly launched Team Saskatchewan webpage HERE.

“This journey began at the Male Under-15 regional camps last December, with a focus on identifying and nurturing Saskatchewan’s best young talent,” said Joel Houseman, Director of Operations for Sask First. “Through a rigorous selection process and intense training camps, we’ve seen these players develop into a cohesive unit. The WHL Cup is the pinnacle of our 2023-24 Sask First program, and we’re excited to showcase the growth and potential of these U16 athletes as they represent Saskatchewan with pride in Red Deer.”

At the WHL Cup, Team Saskatchewan will compete against provincial teams from Alberta, Manitoba, and British Columbia, with 2009-born players looking to make a lasting impression on scouts from junior leagues.

The WHL Cup, established in 2009, is held annually, except in Canada Winter Games years. Saskatchewan’s lone gold medal came in 2019, when they defeated Manitoba 4-2 in the final. This year’s tournament marks the 11th edition of the WHL Cup, previously known as the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup.

Next month’s round-robin tournament followed by playoffs will be played exclusively at Peavey Mart Centrium. Team Saskatchewan will open their WHL Cup schedule against Alberta at 7:00 p.m. MT on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024.

Team Saskatchewan will be led by head coach Brett Pilkington, with assistant coaches Mark Peterson and Mitch Topinka. Supporting the team are video coach Kyle Schneider, equipment manager Josh Brown, athletic therapist Kacey Marcinkiw, and mental performance consultant Kyle McDonald.

To keep up-to-date with Team Saskatchewan and their 2024 WHL Cup quest, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

About SASK FIRST

The Sask First program, introduced by Hockey Saskatchewan in 1988, has been a source of immense pride and achievement in our province. This high-performance initiative was crafted with the dual goal of enhancing the game's comprehension and nurturing the growth of exceptional players, coaches, trainers, officials, and administrators. It empowers participants, enriching them as individuals, fostering self-satisfaction, and enhancing their enjoyment within the hockey community.

About HOCKEY SASKATCHEWAN

Hockey Saskatchewan was established in 1912 and is the governing body for organized hockey in the province of Saskatchewan. With a mission to lead, develop and promote positive hockey experiences, Hockey Saskatchewan encourages competition at all levels – from recreational to high performance. Hockey Saskatchewan has grown through the years and is Saskatchewan’s largest sports organization with over 45,000 members comprised of players, coaches, and officials. For more information, please visit www.hockeysask.ca or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.