Hyman to lead Canada East at Junior 'A' Challenge

Zach Hyman, a center selected by the Florida Panthers in the fifth round of the 2010 Entry Draft, highlights Canada East's roster for the World Junior 'A' Challenge, to be held Nov. 8-14 in Penticton, B.C.

Players selected come from the Ontario Junior Hockey League, Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League, Central Hockey League, Ligue de hockey junior AAA du Quebec and Maritime Hockey League.

Todd Gill, who spent 19 seasons in the NHL, will coach the team. He currently coaches Brockville in the CHL.

"We are very pleased with the players we have chosen to represent Canada East in Penticton," said Gill. "This tournament always brings strong competition and our goal remains the same, to win the gold medal."

Of the 22 players, 20 are eligible for the 2011 Entry Draft. Among those players are defensemen Luke Juha of the Burlington Cougars (OJHL) and Brennan Serville of the Stouffville Spirit (OJHL); Georgetown Raiders (OJHL) center Evan Rodrigues; Pembroke Lumber Kings (CHL) Matthew Peca; and St. Michaels Buzzers (OJHL) center Jesse Beamish. Vaughn Vipers (OJHL) center Robert Polesello won't be eligible until the 2012 Entry Draft.

Canada East will be part of Group A, along with the U.S. and Sweden. Canada West, Switzerland and Russia make up Group B. Round-robin play will continue through Nov. 10, with the semifinals set for Nov. 13, and the gold-medal game Nov. 14.

Canada East won silver medals each of the first two years of the event and a bronze in 2008, but missed medal play last year.

Contact Adam Kimelman at [email protected]

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