WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

"It Made My Day": Wheat Kings Forward Baumuller Eager to Represent Canada at U17s

Published on October 24, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


The Brandon Wheat Kings have a longstanding tradition of excellence on the international stage. One of the youngest members of the current Wheat Kings squad will have a chance to continue that tradition in November.

Forward Joby Baumuller will represent Team Canada at the World Under-17 Championships from November 2 to November 11 in Prince Edward Island. Baumuller will be part of Team Canada White and is one of five WHL players on the roster of that group.

"It was pretty great, very stress relieving," Baumuller said of the moment he got the news. "It made my day hearing that."

After posting his first two WHL goals in 11 games last season, Baumuller has yet to find the scoresheet for the Wheat Kings this season. But he's been getting more minutes and more opportunities every night, and both he and his coaches are hopeful this opportunity will give him a shot in the arm.

"It's a big time confidence moment," said Wheat Kings head coach and GM Marty Murray. "I remember when I went through it as a 16-year-old in this league, it was later in the year it was at Christmas, but you're playing against 18, 19, 20-year-olds and then you're up against your peers, it's an opportunity to regain your confidence. I know for myself, watching the guys last year, it was a nice confidence booster."

As Murray mentioned, Baumuller has several teammates who know what the U17s are all about and what they can do for your confidence. Last season, Roger McQueen, Charlie Elick, and Caleb Hadland all skated for Canada at the event.

"They said it was pretty fun, a fun tournament to be in where you meet lots of great people," said Baumuller. "They said to enjoy it, take it all, and just play my game."

While he'll be skating with new teammates for the event, the rest of the players making up the team aren't totally new to him. He knows many of them from tournaments and other events, including his time with Team Saskatchewan at the Canada Winter Games in early 2023.

"A bunch of them I played at the Canada Winter Games with last year and I have a bunch of (their numbers) for texting," Baumuller said. "I've kept in contact with a bunch of the guys on my team."

Baumuller and the Wheat Kings will host the Moose Jaw Warriors on Thursday, October 26.

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