Cowen to Try Out for Canada's under-18 Team

Published on June 24, 2008 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release

Spokane Chiefs defenseman Jared Cowen has been invited to try out for Canada's National Men's Summer Under-18 Team from August 1-6, 2008 in Calgary, Alberta. Cowen is one of 40 players, 16 from the WHL, invited to the camp. Chiefs Head Coach Bill Peters is serving the same role for the under-18 Team.

Cowen was named the Chiefs Rookie of the Year and Scholastic Player of the Year this past season after finishing with a +28, tops for all rookie defenseman in the WHL, in 68 games. The first overall selection in the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft scored four goals and 18 points with 62 penalty minutes.

Hockey Canada will use the camp to finalize a roster of 22 players who will represent Canada at the 2008 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament, scheduled for August 12-16 in Piestany, Slovakia and Breclav, Czech Republic. Canada has won gold at the tournament three of the past four years.

Al Murray, Hockey Canada's head scout for the National Men's Team programs, selected the 40 players in consultation with coaching staff along with numerous CHL and NHL scouts and general managers. Peters will be joined on the bench by assistants Steve Spott (Kitchener, OHL) and André Tourigny (Rouyn-Noranda, QMJHL).

"I expect this to be a competitive camp," says Murray. "There is a lot of talent at each position in the 1991-born age group. We're all looking forward to the selection camp."

Players will arrive in Calgary on August 1st, with ice sessions beginning on August 2nd. Players selected for the team, along with team staff, will depart Calgary for Europe on August 6th.

The National Men's Summer Under-18 Team is one of two U18 teams run by Hockey Canada on an annual basis. Canada won gold at the 2008 IIHF World Under-18 Men's Championship in April. The Under-18 program is the second step of Hockey Canada's Program of Excellence, which also includes the Under-17 regional and provincial programs and the National Junior Team.

Western Hockey League Stories from June 24, 2008

• Six WHL players commit to University of British Columbia Thunderbirds - WHL
• Bruins acquire defenseman - Chilliwack Bruins
• Americans deal with Seattle - Tri-City Americans
• Elliott/Hamilton Named to U-18 Selection Camp - Saskatoon Blades
• Broncos Remember Doug Mosher - Swift Current Broncos
• Edmonton Oil Kings Unveil 2008 - 2009 Schedule - Edmonton Oil Kings
• Cowen to Try Out for Canada's Under-18 Team - Spokane Chiefs
• Cowen to Try Out for Canada's under-18 Team - Spokane Chiefs
• Calgary Hitmen Announce Changes to Hockey Operations - Calgary Hitmen
• Giants Forwards Named To Hockey Canada Camp - Vancouver Giants
• Americans Sign 2007 Bantam Pick Jordan Messier - Tri-City Americans
• Renewal Deadline Passes - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Schenn, Glennie Invited to Under 18's - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Americans Deal Jahraus to Seattle - Tri-City Americans
• T-Birds Acquire Goalie Kyle Jahraus From Tri-City - Seattle Thunderbirds
• 2008 CHL Import Draft Tomorrow - WHL
• Kings Add New Video Display System - Brandon Wheat Kings

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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