Photo Credit: Robert Lefebvre / Icelevel
This past weekend was the start of the World Jr. A challenge; a tournament organized by Hockey Canada to showcase the best of the best in regards to upcoming hockey talent.
Of the roster, one local boy has the town buzzing with some Renfrew representation on the international stage.
Kale Osipenko, the 17-year-old Renfrew Wolves goaltender, is the only player in the tournament from Renfrew.
Yesterday (Dec. 9) myFM connected with Kale’s father, Steve Osipenko, to hear about how his son has been doing in the tournament.
Steve said Kale was a little nervous at first, but once he got onto the ice his natural instincts took over and has been looking strong since.
Steve Osipenko said Kale has been working at his hockey skills for a very long time and he’s proud to see his son’s efforts paying off.
As of Wednesday morning the Canada East team currently leads the rankings in the tournament and the final preliminary matchups will happen later today.
Kale is also the leading goaltender with only one goal allowed in 60 minutes of playtime and 52 saves.
Osipenko has an average save percentage of 0.981.
However it’s worth noting Canada East’s other goaltender, Maksim Corovic from Stoney Creek, lies second in the rankings.
Steve said he and the rest of the Osipenko family are happily surprised with the amount of local support Kale has been receiving lately.
Steve also mentions following Kale’s tournament performance he will be working with OHL’s Sarnia Sting until Christmas.
Sarnia Sting selected Kale in the 2024 OHL priority selection where he was the 126th pick.
Once the preliminary games are wrapped up the first of the finals will take place this Friday (Dec. 12).
