Danielson Named to Canada's Camp for World Junior Championships
December 5, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release
The list of Brandon Wheat Kings to represent Canada on junior hockey's biggest stage is a long and prestigious one, so long it covers nearly an entire wall of the hallway to their dressing room at Westoba Place. That wall may soon need to make room for one more name.
Wheat Kings captain Nate Danielson, the 9th overall pick by the Detroit Red Wings, was named to the preliminary roster for Canada's camp ahead of the World Junior Championships. The roster comprises 26 skaters and four goalies.
"It's a dream of mine to play in the World Juniors, so to get an invite to camp is obviously pretty special," Danielson said. "I'm excited to get it going."
For many Canadians, the World Juniors have become a defining part of the holidays, and they grow up with memories of the tournament shared with family and friends. Danielson is no exception.
"It was always a tradition for our family," Danielson said. "I remember the Jordan Eberle goal (2009), I don't really remember watching it but I've seen the highlights of how crazy it was and the last couple of years I've watched them all. It's definitely a tradition for me and my family, and it's exciting to maybe be a part of it."
If Danielson wants to get advice on how to handle the tournament, he doesn't have to look very far. Wheat Kings head coach and GM Marty Murray played in the tournament himself twice, and was captain of the Wheat Kings both times he was named to Team Canada.
"I had the privilege of playing in two tournaments," Murray said. "The first year, I had to adjust my role. I had to figure out what I was going to do if I was going to make the team and it was more of a penalty kill and energy role and I relished that. It was a different role than I played in Brandon, but when you get to that stage you'll do anything to crack the lineup."
The list of Wheat Kings to represent the organization at the World Juniors, not only for Canada but for international squads as well, is covered in future NHLers and Stanley Cup champions. To add another to that list would build on an already well-developed legacy in Wheat City, and add another accomplishment to Danielson's already distinguished Wheat Kings career.
"It would be really special," said Danielson. "There have been a ton of great Wheat Kings that have gotten to represent Canada, so to add my name to that would be really special for me."
Canada has invited 16 forwards, 10 defensemen, and four goalies to camp. Of the 30 players in camp, nine are from the WHL.
The World Junior Championships will begin on Boxing Day with Canada facing Finland in their opening match.
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Western Hockey League Stories from December 5, 2023
- Dominant Second Leads Wheat Kings Past Rebels - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Warriors' Trio Excited to Share World Junior Camp Experience - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Wenatchee Forwards Geekie, Savoie Chosen for Canada National Junior Team Selection Camp - Wenatchee Wild
- Oil Kings Add Veteran Goaltender Beckett Langkow; Reassign Goaltender Logan Cunningham - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Firkus, Mateychuk & Yager Invited to Canada's National Junior Team Selection Camp - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Danielson Named to Canada's Camp for World Junior Championships - Brandon Wheat Kings
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- Ewan Huet Named to Switzerland's Preliminary Roster for the 2024 World Juniors - Regina Pats
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