| Last updated at 12:36 AM on 25/11/09 |
Islanders make Atlantic hockey squad 
Four players, assistant coach on under-17 team
The Guardian
SAINT JOHN, N.B. — Prince Edward?Island will have four players and an assistant coach on Team Atlantic at the 2010 World Under-17 Hockey?Challenge starting next month.
Defenceman Brett Beauvais of Summerside and forwards Brent Andrews of Hunter River, Jason?Cameron of Cornwall and Darcy?Ashley of Brooklyn were all named to the regional squad for championship, Dec. 29-Jan. 4, in Timmins, Ont.
Team Atlantic’s assistant coach is Jonathan Murphy of Charlottetown.
Andrews plays with the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League while Ashley and Cameron are with the Maritime Junior A Hockey?League’s Summerside Western?Capitals. Beauvais plays at Ridley College in Ontario.
“Our coaching staff had to make some very difficult decisions, but we are confident that the 22 players that have been named to the team will be great ambassadors on and off the ice for Atlantic Canada and I am sure that they will represent the Atlantic region with great pride,” said Dave Curnew, general manager for Team Atlantic.
Team Atlantic also has six players from Nova Scotia, nine players from New Brunswick and three players from Newfoundland and Labrador.
“This is a very exciting day for our region, for our coaching staff and the 22 players named to Team Atlantic,” said Jim Midgley, head coach for the team. “It’s been a long evaluation process leading to tough decisions which highlights the depth of talent in our region this year.”
Team Atlantic will depart for Timmins on Dec. 26 and will play an exhibition game on Dec. 28 against Finland prior to playing its first tournament game against the United States on Dec. 29 in Timmins.
Team Atlantic will also face Team Pacific, Czech Republic and Russia in the round-robin portion of the event.
“This event always requires everyone to be at their best and we are excited to take these 22 guys to that stage,” said Midgley. “We will count on all 22 players pulling in the right direction in order for the team to achieve success.
“The only thing an event like this guarantees us is an opportunity, it will be up to us to take full advantage of that opportunity and create a positive experience that will last a lifetime.”
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