Osipenko braces for a save | Photo Credit: Robert Lefebvre / Icelevel.com
Last week it was announced Renfrew native and Renfrew Wolves goaltender Kale Osipenko is selected to be a member of the Canada East team in Hockey Canada’s Junior A World Challenge.
The competition has been running annually since 2006 and is a showcase of upcoming top talent with over 300 NHL draft picks emerging from the tournament.
Osipenko said he couldn’t have been more excited once the organization broke the news to him in early November.
For the first time in tournament history it will be hosted in Quebec, specifically in Trois-Rivières from Dec. 7 – Dec. 13.
The Canada East team will be competing directly with three others; a Canada West team, the United States and Sweden.
Osipenko said he’s excited to see foreign players and techniques firsthand.
He’s a natural in nets with community members and league officials recognizing his skill.
Last Monday (Nov. 24) Osipenko topped the Central Canada Hockey League’s (CCHL) goalie rankings with a recorded save percentage of 0.935, a goals against average of 2.31 and one shutout.
Osipenko credits his success to his packmates.
However as the Jr. A players creep closer to the tournament date the competition itself will be a test of how these players can fit into a new team dynamic.
Osipenko, the only player in the tournament who calls Renfrew home, is a little nervous to be playing with new teammates but he’s also looking forward to forging new bonds.
On the flipside he’s also prepared for a challenge, it’s going to be a tough competition but 17-year-old Osipenko has been learning a lot playing with and against older players.
Fellow Renfrew locals can support Osipenko right here in town.
Renfrew Wolves announced they will be hosting watch parties at the Boston Pizza on O’Brien Rd. to cheer on Osipenko.
The watch party aligns with the game schedule:
Game 1 is on Sunday, Dec. 7, against the United States at 3 p.m.
Game 2 is on Monday, Dec. 8, against Canada West at 7 p.m.
Game 3 is Wednesday, Dec. 10 against Sweden at 3 p.m.
Once the first round of games completes the tournament will move on to the semifinals where 1st and 4th teams will player each other and 2nd and 3rd will do the same.
Victors of each bracket will then play for gold in the finals, with the losing two competing for bronze.
(Written by Mik Horvath)
