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Eight WHL Prospects Capture Medals at Youth Olympic Games

February 21, 2016 - Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release


Calgary, AB - Team USA captured the gold medal at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway after defeating Team Canada by a score of 5-2.

After falling to Team Canada in the tournament's preliminary round, Team USA beat Canada and finished the tournament with a 5-0-0-1 record and marks the first medal for the U.S. Youth Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team. WHL prospects that suited up for Team USA included forwards Erik Middendorf (Moose Jaw Warriors) and Ryan Savage (Everett Silvertips) along with goaltender Todd Scott (Vancouver Giants). Team USA outscored its opponents 26-9 at the tournament.

Meanwhile, Team Canada won a medal for the second time in as many Youth Olympics, having previously claimed a bronze medal at the inaugural Games in Innsbruck, Austria in 2012. Canada finished first in the preliminary round with a 3-1 record, with wins over Finland (5-1), the United States (4-2), and Norway (6-0), and losing only to Russia (4-3) in its opening game. Canada defeated Finland (4-3) in a shootout in Friday's semi-final.

Moose Jaw Warriors prospect Luka Burzan led the Canadians with seven points (4g-3a) in six tournament games while Tri-City Americans prospect Carson Focht finished tied for second in team scoring with six points (2g-4a).

The 2016 Youth Olympic Winter Games bring together young athletes from around the world to participate in a unique cultural experience and international sporting competition.

2016 Youth Olympics, Team USA Roster - WHL Players

Name Pos Hometown 2015 WHL Bantam Draft GP G A PTS

Erik Middendorf F Scottsdale, AZ Moose Jaw, 4th Round 6 1 4 5

Ryan Savage F Scottsdale, AZ Everett, 4th Round 6 0 1 1

Name Pos Hometown 2015 WHL Bantam Draft GP W L SV%

Todd Scott G Albertville, MN Vancouver, 10th Round 2 1 1 0.881

2016 Youth Olympics, Team Canada Roster - WHL Players

Name Pos Hometown 2015 WHL Bantam Draft GP G A PTS

Luka Burzan F Surrey, BC Moose Jaw, 6th Overall 6 4 3 7

Carson Focht F Regina, SK Tri-City, 7th Overall 6 2 4 6

Tristen Nielsen F Fort St. John, BC Calgary, 20th Overall 5 0 1 1

Ty Smith D Lloydminster, AB Spokane, 1st Overall 6 2 3 5

Jett Woo D Winnipeg, MB Moose Jaw, 4th Overall 6 0 0 0

For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Twitter/HC_Men.

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