Hometown Ollie Josephson Added To Roster For 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

July 13, 2023

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Victoria BC born Ollie Josephson enjoying his time playing regularly for the Red Deer Rebels can now add playing for his country in the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

A total of eight Western Hockey League players will suit up for Canada at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, slated for July 31 through August 5 in Trencin, Slovakia and Breclav, Czechia.

Hockey Canada announced the roster Wednesday afternoon.

WHL Players – National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team

Last Name	First Name	Team	Hometown	Height	Weight	Position
Catton	Berkly	Spokane Chiefs	Saskatoon, Sask.	5’11”	164	F
Elick	Charlie	Brandon Wheat Kings	Calgary, Alta.	6’3”	189	D
Gavin	Jordan	Tri-City Americans	Surrey, B.C.	5’11”	143	F
Josephson	Ollie	Red Deer Rebels	Victoria, B.C.	6’0”	177	F
Lindstrom	Cayden	Medicine Hat Tigers	Chetwynd, B.C.	6’4”	204	F
McQueen	Roger	Brandon Wheat Kings	Saskatoon, Sask.	6’4”	182	F
Ritchie	Ryder	Prince Albert Raiders	Calgary, Alta.	5’10”	157	F
Wetsch	Carson	Calgary Hitmen	North Vancouver, B.C.	6’0”	185	F

Seven of the 22 WHL Clubs will be represented on the Canadian roster at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. The Brandon Wheat Kings have two players on the roster, while the Calgary Hitmen, Medicine Hat Tigers, Prince Albert Raiders, Red Deer Rebels, Spokane Chiefs and Tri-City Americans each have one player named to the Canadian roster.

In addition to the eight players named to the Canadian roster, the WHL will also be represented at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup by Kelowna Rockets head coach Kris Mallette, who will serve as an assistant coach, as well as Portland Winterhawks equipment manager Clayton Johns.

Newly-minted Regina Pats vice-president of hockey operations and general manager Alan Millar will serve as the Director of Player Personnel at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

WHL alumnus Justin Pogge, who tended goal for the Prince George Cougars and Calgary Hitmen from 2003-06, will serve as Canada’s goaltending coach.

Canada will open the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup against Finland Monday, July 31 at 7:30 a.m. MT. It will also face co-host Slovakia and Switzerland in the preliminary round before the tournament concludes with the medal games Saturday, August 5.