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WHL Moose Jaw Warriors

Howell, Lakovic Ready to Impress against the Best in the World

November 4, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release


Marek Howell and Lynden Lakovic are off to strong starts to their Western Hockey League careers.

Now the Moose Jaw Warriors' duo get an opportunity to prove themselves against the best under-17 players in the world.

"I'm pumped," Howell said.

Howell and Lakovic will be suiting up with Canada White and Canada Black, respectively, at the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, which gets underway on Thursday in Langley and Delta, B.C.

The two players will be joined by Warriors head coach Mark O'Leary, who will be running the bench for Canada Black at the tournament.

"It's an honour to represent Canada in that type of way and to be on the same team as [O'Leary] and to share the moment with Howell is an honour," Lakovic said.

The World Under-17 Hockey Challenge is the first step into Hockey Canada's Program of Excellence. It will be the first time both players get to play for their country in an international event.

"It means everything," Lakvoic said. "Ever since I was a little kid, I've always dreamed of wearing the maple leaf and to get the chance is awesome."

"To get to represent my country, that's one of the coolest things, especially growing up as a little kid, you watch all that stuff and think how cool it is and then for us to finally be able to do it is just a dream come true," Howell added.

Both players are in their rookie seasons with the Warriors.

In 13 games this season, Howell has a goal and two points. The 2021 first round pick said he's heading to this tournament to continue his growth as a player.

"[The start of the season] has been good, I've got some ice [time], I've got some power play time, penalty kill, I've seen it all, so it's really good for me to go here and get better each day," he said.

"I'm just going to try to be a sponge and just soak in as much as I can. It's going to be big to see what it's all about."

Lakovic has two goals in 11 games this season for the Warriors.

He said he's looking forward to the test in front of him over the next week.

"I want to see how I matchup against kids across the world my age," Lakovic said.

"It's definitely a confidence builder, knowing that your a top-66 player in Canada for your age, and just the experience is going to be awesome."

While Lakovic will have a familiar voice in O'Leary behind the bench for his team, Howell will be playing for Head Coach Bruce Richardson from the QMJHL's Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

"I'm really excited to play with everyone," Howell said. "At the camp, you get your first taste for the guys in the Q, the guys in the OHL and especially the coaching style might be a little different, but I'm excited to get going."

Howell and Canada White square off with Sweden in their tournament opener on Thursday in Delta, B.C., while Lakovic, O'Leary and Canada Black take on Canada Red in Langley. Both games go at 8 p.m. (Saskatchewan time).

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