McQueen and Elick Named to Team Canada for U18s
April 16, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release
By now, Hockey Canada has learned that when it comes to international events, they can count on Brandon Wheat Kings' skaters Charlie Elick and Roger McQueen.
McQueen and Elick have represented their country twice before on the international stage, at the World Under-17 Challenge and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and they'll now get their third opportunity as both players have been named to Canada's roster for the coming World Under-18 Championships in Finland. They are two of the 19 players selected to the roster.
McQueen has been an offensive force for Canada at both tournaments he's played in. He posted eight points in six games for Canada White at the U17s in 2022, and then, in the summer of 2023, put up seven points in five games en route to a gold medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Upon returning to the Wheat Kings, McQueen kept that offensive train rolling, more than tripling his rookie point total with 51 points in 53 games. Returning from injury just in time for the playoffs, McQueen led the Wheat Kings with four goals in four games in their first-round loss to the Moose Jaw Warriors.
Elick was also a member of Canada White in 2022 and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup team in 2023, putting up a total of four assists in eleven games across the two events. At the Hlinka Gretzky, he was noted for his stalwart work on the penalty kill.
Bringing a bruising, physical style back to the Wheat Kings, Elick also greatly outpaced his rookie season. He posted 27 points in 65 games for the Wheat Kings this season, with just one point (his final point in the last game of the year) coming on the power play. In the playoffs, he posted three assists in four games.
Elick is a top prospect for the 2024 NHL entry draft. McQueen, born too late in 2006 to be eligible for 2024, is considered a can't-miss prospect for the NHL draft in 2025.
Canada begins their quest for gold at the U18s on April 25 against Sweden.
• Discuss this story on the Western Hockey League message board...
Western Hockey League Stories from April 16, 2024
- Iginla and Gojsic on Final NHL Central Scouting Rankings - Kelowna Rockets
- Cougars Aim to Take Commanding 3-0 Series Lead in Kelowna - Prince George Cougars
- Four Tigers Named in Final NHL Central Scouting Rankings - Medicine Hat Tigers
- 20-Year-Old Wiens Fit in Perfectly as a Wheat King - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Buttazzoni, Zakreski Named to NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings - Portland Winterhawks
- Wild Players Fluker, Cooper Recognized on Final NHL Central Scouting Rankings - Wenatchee Wild
- Three Royals Listed on NHL Central Scouting's Final Rankings Ahead of 2024 NHL Draft - Victoria Royals
- Defenseman Harrison Brunicke on NHL Central Scouting Rankings and on Canada's Under-18 Team - Kamloops Blazers
- Four Silvertips Featured on NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings - Everett Silvertips
- Parascak, Becher, and Laing Named to NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings for 2024 NHL Draft - Prince George Cougars
- McKenzie, Unger Crack NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings - Moose Jaw Warriors
- NHL Central Scouting Lists 57 WHL Players in Final Rankings for 2024 NHL Draft - WHL
- Wetsch and Hamilton Named to Canada U-18 Team for 2024 IIHF World Championship - Calgary Hitmen
- Gardner Slotted Seventh Amongst North American Goaltenders in Final NHL Central Scouting's Rankings - Saskatoon Blades
- Three Hurricanes Listed on NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings - Lethbridge Hurricanes
- Seven WHL Players to Represent Hockey Canada at 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship - WHL
- McKenna & Lindstrom Named to Canada's U18 Team - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Caswell, Mistelbacher Listed in Central Scouting Final Rankings - Swift Current Broncos
- McQueen and Elick Named to Team Canada for U18s - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Ritchie Named to Canada U18 National Team - Prince Albert Raiders
- Edmonton Oil Kings to Mutually Part Ways with Assistant Coach and Manager of Player Development, Serge Lajoie - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Wild Alumni Wood, Sward Earn Amateur Tryout Contracts with AHL's Colorado Eagles - Wenatchee Wild
- Howe and Vaughan Twins Crack NHL Central Scoutings Final Rankings Ahead of 2024 NHL Draft - Regina Pats
- Two Giants Listed on NHL Central Scouting's Final Rankings - Vancouver Giants
- Max Curran, Lukas Matecha Listed in Final NHL Central Scouting Rankings for 2024 NHL Draft - Tri-City Americans
- Warriors Head into Swift Current for Game 3 - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Sotheran's OT Winner Lifts Hawks to Game 3 Comeback Win - Portland Winterhawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Brandon Wheat Kings Stories
- Wheat Kings Give up Late Goal, Fall in Shootout
- Bjarnason Slams Door in Wheat Kings' Win Over Edmonton
- Wheat Kings Drop First of Season in Saskatoon
- Nguyen Leads Offense, Eskit Stands Tall in Wheat Kings Win over Raiders
- Wheat Kings Mourn the Passing of Glen Lawson