Justin Danforth to represent the Cobourg Cougars at World Junior A Challenge
Justin Danforth to represent the Cobourg Cougars at World Junior A Challenge
Tournament held in Langley, BC from Nov. 7-13
COBOURG -- When Team Canada East opens the 2011 World Junior A Challenge against the Czech Republic, there will be a Cobourg Cougar prowling the ice.
Cougars forward Justin Danforth made the Team Canada East team after attending numerous evaluation camps. Danforth learned of his fate Oct. 31, and the team flew to British Columbia on Nov. 1. The international hockey tournament begins on Nov. 7, at the Langley Events Centre in Langley, and runs until the 13th.
Danforth, who has 17 points in 16 games this season with the Cougars, was unable to be reached for comment at press time, but Team Canada East's head coach was impressed with what Danforth could do.
"Justin had an outstanding evaluation camp in Kanata in September and followed it up with another real good camp this (past) weekend," said Curtis Hodgins, who is also head coach of the OJHL's Whitby Fury. "His speed and tenacity is something that will definitely help us during the tournament. I have seen firsthand his quality play the last year and a half in the East division and look for a big tournament out of Justin."
Hodgins said all 34 players at the final evaluation camp battled hard to make the team. But in the end only 22 players made the team.
"(They) left us with some tough decisions," said Hodgins. "As a coaching staff, we are confident we have selected the 22 players who give us the best chance at improving on last year's silver medal finish."
Cougars' governor, Marc Mercier, said the entire Cougars' organization is excited for Danforth.
"It is an indeed an honor to have one of our players to be chosen, among so many elite junior players, to represent our country and our organization on the world junior hockey stage," said Mercier. "Justin has worked extremely hard and with great drive and motivation to become the high-impact player that he is today."
Mercier called Danforth a great role model for the Cougars and the town of Cobourg.
"He stands for all the good things that our organization has to offer from a developmental perspective," said Mercier. "On behalf of the entire organization and community, we salute Justin for his work ethic and his unquestionable commitment to excellence and wish him all the best in our quest for gold at the upcoming World Jr A Challenge."
Cougars head coach, Justin Teakle, said he can't take any credit for Danforth's success this year.
"It's been all Justin Danforth," he said, after Danforth called him to inform him of his selection to the national team. "He is a great player, and works so hard."
Teakle said he was excited for Danforth, and the opportunity which lies before him.
"You never know what can happen during these tournaments," he said. "Coaches don't necessarily take the best 22 players to the tournament with them, but the best players who fit together and can play together. With Justin's work ethic, and what he can bring to the ice, I wasn't surprised he made the team."
When Danforth called his coach, Teakle said he told him to do the best he can, and to take and learn what he can from the experience of playing against international players.
"(Danforth) comes to play the big games, and excels in them," said Teakle. "The Cougars are very happy, and proud of him. Although, we will miss him here at home for the few games he will miss with the Cougars."
Players named to the Canada East selection camp roster were selected from the CJHL's five eastern Junior A leagues: the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League, Ontario Junior Hockey League, Central Canada Junior Hockey League , Ligue de hockey junior AAA du Québec and Maritime Hockey League.
Canada East will play in Group B during the tournament, joined by the Czech Republic and Russia, while Canada West, Sweden and the United States will make up Group A. Preliminary round play will run until Nov. 9, with both semifinals taking place on Nov. 11. The gold medal game is set for Nov. 13. All preliminary round games, quarter-finals, semifinals and the bronze medal game can be seen live via webcast through FASTHockey at hockeycanada.fasthockey.com.
Canada East has appeared in three of the five gold medal games at the World Junior A Challenges, taking silver in 2006 in Yorkton, Sask., and 2007 in Trail, B.C., as well as last year in Penticton, B.C. It won bronze in 2008 in Camrose, Alta., and finished fourth in 2009 in Summerside, P.E.I.
