WHL Moose Jaw Warriors

Schmidt Ready to Face the World this Week

Published on October 30, 2023 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release


Connor Schmidt will get his first opportunity to represent Canada on the international stage later this week.

The Moose Jaw Warriors' rookie defenceman is set to suit up with Team Canada Red at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

"It's obviously a huge honour to be able to represent Canada and I've got to make the most of my opportunity," Schmidt said.

"There's a lot of high end talent in this tournament, so it's going to be extremely tough, but it'll be fun."

Schmidt was one of 44 players named by Hockey Canada to Canada Red and Canada White for the tournament, which will take place in Charlottetown and Summerside, Prince Edward Island.

"You always dream of representing Canada and to be selected as one of the 44 players, it's pretty crazy," Schmidt said.

The Sturgeon County, AB product said getting to play against the best players in the world at his age group will be a good test.

"It's a short term competition, so obviously showing up there day one and being at the top of your game is important and really showing everyone why you're there," he said.

Schmidt will be on Canada Red with fellow Western Hockey League players Reese Hamilton (Calgary Hitmen), Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers), Braeden Cootes (Seattle Thunderbirds), Chase Harrington (Spokane Chiefs), Peyton Kettles (Swift Current Broncos), Jackson Smith (Tri-City Americans) and Cole Reschny (Victoria Royals).

He said the team has already held calls to begin building team chemistry ahead of the tournament.

"I know most of them, there's a bunch of guys in the WHL that I've already played against already," Schmidt said.

"The boys are gelling pretty well on the calls, so it should be a fun team."

Schmidt is in his rookie season with the Warriors. He has one goal in ten games this season.

He said there's been an adjustment to playing against older players in the WHL.

"I feel like I'm doing pretty well so far and excited to just keep it going for sure," Schmidt said.

"The key is just keeping it quick and simple, the game's a lot faster with the older guys, so making the simple plays and just fitting in with your role and just keeping it quick is what I'm trying to do."

Going into the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, Schmidt wants to use the experience to build more confidence in his game while playing at a high level.

"It's going to be nice to play against guys my own age, playing against the all will push my game to the next level and hopefully I'll learn some new stuff there and bring it back here," Schmidt said.

The 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge will open on Thursday, Nov. 2 with Canada Red taking on Finland.

Schmidt and Canada Red will square off with Canada White on Friday, Nov. 3, they take on Czechia on Saturday, Nov. 4, they battle Sweden on Monday, Nov. 6 and then they wrap up the round robin against the United States on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

The gold and bronze medal games hit the ice on Saturday, Nov. 11.

Check out the Moose Jaw Warriors Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Western Hockey League Stories from October 30, 2023


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.

OurSports Central