Nipawin Hawks’ defenseman Ronan Buckberger has been named to Team West at the upcoming World Junior ‘A’ Championship.
Buckberger, 17, will be the first Hawk to play in the event since Tyson Hobbins in 2006. The Saskatoon product said it’s an honour to be named to the team and wear the Canada logo.
“When I got the call, I was pretty honoured and proud of myself,” he said. “Just a col thing to be accepted for.”
Buckberger is tied for fifth in Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) scoring for rookies as a defenceman. He has seven goals and 15 assists in 27 games. He said making the Team Canada West roster was a goal for him at the start of the season. Buckberger said representing your country is a special feeling.
“Obviously anytime you get the chance to wear the maple leaf on your sweater and represent Canada nationally it’s pretty cool,” he said.
Humboldt Broncos Head Coach Scott Barney will be the coach of the team, Matthew Van Blaricom of the Broncos will also be on the team. No other SJHL players made the roster.
Buckberger said being the second Hawk to make the tournament that begins in Truro, N.S. on Dec. 10 is something he is proud of as well.
“A lot of credit goes to my teammates, my coaches, all the other people surrounding me daily in the Hawks organization has done a great job improving me as a player and a person off the ice this year. Just a lot of positive things to say about the team and the franchise that helped push me towards being selected for this,” he said.
The five team event runs from Dec. 10 to 17. Buckberger will miss all of Nipawin’s five games in December.
You can hear from Buckberger below.