OHL Brampton Steelheads

Karmiris and Leenders to Represent Canada at 2022 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge

Published on October 18, 2022 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Brampton Steelheads News Release


MISSISSAUGA, ON - The Mississauga Steelheads are excited to announce that forward Lucas Karmiris and goaltender Ryerson Leenders have been selected to represent Team Canada at the 2022 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge. The tournament will take place in Langley and Delta, B.C., from Nov. 3-12. Both players are a part of the Team Canada Black roster.

"We are very proud of both Lucas and Ryerson for being named to Team Canada for the World U17 Championship in BC this November." commented Head Coach and General Manager James Richmond. "I'm sure they will take their experiences from the Steelheads and perform at the level expected of them. We wish them well and hopefully they bring home the Gold."

There will be seven teams competing in the upcoming tournament including Team Canada Black, Team Canada Red, Team Canada White, Czechia, Finland, Sweden and the United States. All participating teams will play six preliminary matches and the top four teams in the standings will advance to the medal round.

Karmiris was the Steelheads' first round pick in the 2022 OHL Draft, selected 13th overall. The forward had an exciting pre-season, registering a goal and an assist against the Guelph Storm on September 23. The Brantford native earned his first OHL point in the regular season with an assist on Parker Von Richter's goal against the Owen Sound Attack.

"It's an honour to play for my country and I feel that it's an opportunity that not a lot of players get," said Karimiris. "I'm excited to go to BC and compete in an international tournament, and hopefully walk away with a gold medal."

Leenders was the first goalie selected in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, going #32 overall in the second round. The Nanticoke, ON native had an excellent preseason, posting a 2.00 GAA and 0.931 save percentage. The rookie goaltender earned his first OHL win on October 16 versus the Sarnia Sting.

"I'm so thankful for the chance to play for Team Canada," Leenders stated. "It's a great honour and I can't wait to get started."

Both Karmiris and Leenders were also invited to Hockey Canada's National Under-17 Development Camp this past summer, which took place on July 10-15 in Calgary, Alta.

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