Pats’ Temple ‘honoured’ to represent Canada at U-17 Challenge

Cole Temple grew up hoping to one day get a chance to represent Canada on the world stage.

Now the Regina Pats forward will get the chance at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge as a member of Team Canada White.

“I grew up as a kid watching (Team Canada) on TV and watching guys wear the maple leaf and I’ve always wanted to push myself to be in that position,” the Brandon product said Wednesday. “I’m really honoured.

“I was for sure surprised. I got a phone call out of nowhere (when) I was driving home from the rink. I was super-, super-, super-happy I got that call.”

The 16-year-old has recorded six points (four goals, two assists) in 13 games this season with the Pats (7-5-1-0). Temple was taken by the Pats with the fifth pick overall of the 2023 WHL draft.

“He has a high IQ, he thinks the game really well and he thinks the game with and without the puck,” said Pats head coach Brad Herauf. “His speed is right up there with being elite. He’s going to be an NHL skater sooner than later, so I think those two things make a transition into any hockey level relatively easy.”

Temple joins a list of recent Pats to play in the tournament, following forward Jaxsin Vaughan (2022) and forward Tanner Howe (2021). The tournament was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think it (lets the players) see what elite really looks like. It’s the best on best and you have really good coaches who are super-organized and want to be there. Then you have like-minded players who are the best from all over Canada,” Herauf said.

“(Temple) is no longer the big fish in a small pond; you’re with all of our country now. Cole is an excellent player and a better human being. He has been real humble about this whole experience and right now I can’t find anyone more deserving.”

Temple has also received advice from Howe — his billet brother — on what the tournament will be like.

“I talked about it to him for a little bit and asked him what it was like. It sounds like a really good experience and super-fun so I’m pretty pumped,” Temple said.

When the games get underway, he’s looking forward to finally getting a chance to put on the national jersey for the first time.

“It’s just a dream for me and I’m super-excited to play for Team Canada and put on that jersey and try my best,” Temple said.

While Temple will be with Team Canada White, Swift Current Broncos defenceman Peyton Kettles and Moose Jaw Warriors defenceman Connor Schmidt will play on Team Canada Red.

A trio of Saskatchewan products will also skate for Team Canada at the tournament, with Whitewood’s Reese Hamilton (Calgary Hitmen) and Macklin’s Cole Reschny (Victoria Royals) on Team Red and Wilcox’s Joby Baumuller (Brandon Wheat Kings) on Team White.

The tournament is scheduled for Nov. 2-11 in Charlottetown and Summerside, P.E.I.

NHL Central Scouting reveals players to watch

The list of the top hockey players to watch ahead of the 2024 draft was revealed by NHL Central Scouting on Wednesday, and the list features 63 WHL players.

Among them given an “A” grade — meaning the player is projected to be a first-round candidate — are the Pats’ Howe (who hails from Prince Albert), Spokane Chiefs centre Catton Berkly (Saskatoon) and Prince Albert Raiders right-winger Ryder Ritchie.

Broncos left winger Clarke Caswell and his teammate, defenceman Josh Fluker, were given a “C” rating; they’re projected to be a fourth- or fifth-round pick.

Melfort’s Nate Misskey of the Royals, Saskatoon Blades goaltender Evan Gardner, Raiders right-winger Matej Kubiesa, Raiders centre Grady Martin, Moose Jaw defenceman Brady Ness, Outlook-born Raiders centre Cole Peardon, Loreburn-born Blades defenceman Morgan Tastad, Warriors goalie Jackson Unger, twin brothers Jaxsin and Corbin Vaughan of the Pats, and Saskatoon products Trae Wilke (Lethbridge Hurricanes) and Josh Zakreski (Portland Winterhawks) were given “W” ratings. That indicates a sixth- or seventh-round projection.