Byram, Blaisdell Get the Call from Canada
October 17, 2017 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Vancouver Giants News Release
Vancouver, B.C. - The Vancouver Giants are pleased to announce that 2001-born defenceman Bowen Byram (Cranbrook, B.C.) and 2001-born forward Harrison Blaisdell (Regina, SK) have been chosen to represent Canada at the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge which begins November 5th and runs through November 11th in both Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, B.C.
Byram was originally selected by the Giants third overall in the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft. So far this season in eight games, Byram has collected five assists which ranks him second among WHL rookie defencemen in scoring. Last season Byram suited up in 11 games as an under-ager and helped guide Team Alberta to a gold medal at the 2016 U-16 Challenge Cup. During his Midget season, Byram was named the 2016 Alberta Minor Hockey Player of the Year.
Blaisdell was selected 31st overall by the Giants in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft. This season he's suited up in 13 games with the BCHL's Chilliwack Chiefs and has tallied twice while adding seven assists. Last season he scored 20 goals while adding 21 assists for 41 points in 40 games with the SMHL champs, the Regina Pat Canadians. He represented Team Saskatchewan in the 2016 U-16 Challenge Cup..
"We're very excited that both Bowen and Harrison will have the opportunity to represent Canada at this event," said Giants General Manager, Glen Hanlon. "Both players have the ability to make a positive impact every time they take the ice and we wish them the best as they look to bring a gold medal back to Canada."
Other recent previous Giants to represent Canada at the World Under-17's include: Tyler Popowich (2016), Brendan Semchuk (2015), Dawson Holt (2015) and Tyler Benson (2014 and 2013).
The Vancouver Giants continue their trek through the Prairies tonight when they battle the Prince Albert Raiders at 6:00 PM local time. The trip also includes stops in Saskatoon (Wednesday), Brandon (Friday) and Regina (Saturday). The Giants next home game takes place on Friday, October 27th against the Prince George Cougars.
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Western Hockey League Stories from October 17, 2017
- Americans Acquire Anthony Bishop - Tri-City Americans
- CHL Announces Weekly Award Winners - WHL
- Two Rockets Included Amongst 23 WHL Players Selected - Kelowna Rockets
- CALGARY HITMEN Hitmen Defenceman Jackson Van De Leest - Calgary Hitmen
- GAUTHIER SELECTED FOR WORLD UNDER-17 CHALLENGE - Prince George Cougars
- Carter Hart Earns Third Straight Selection to Team WHL in Upcoming 2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series - Everett Silvertips
- Rhinehart to Represent Canada at World U17 Challenge - Prince Albert Raiders
- Jake Lee Named to Hockey Canada U-17 Team - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Byram, Blaisdell Get the Call from Canada - Vancouver Giants
- Dube, Foote, Lind Named as Team WHL Roster Announced for 2017 CIBC - Kelowna Rockets
- Anderson-Dolan Named to Team WHL for Canada-Russia - Spokane Chiefs
- Anderson-Dolan Named to Team WHL for Canada-Russia - Spokane Chiefs
- Chiefs News: Anderson-Dolan Named to Team WHL for Canada-Russia - Spokane Chiefs
- Skinner Named to CIBC Canada Russia Series - Lethbridge Hurricanes
- Tyler Benson Named to Team WHL's Roster for the 2017 Cibc Canada Russia series - Vancouver Giants
- Team WHL Roster Announced for 2017 CIBC Canada - Regina Pats
- Team WHL Roster Announced for 2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series - WHL
- Prince George Cougars Cholowski Named to Team WHL for Canada-Russia Series - Prince George Cougars
- 2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series Media - Regina Pats
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