Adam Prudhomme
Beaver Staff
Maddi Wheeler’s 2019 is already shaping up to be a memorable year as the Erinsville native learned she’ll open the year representing Canada at the International Ice Hockey Federation U18 Women’s World Championship Jan. 6-13 in Obihiro, Japan.
Wheeler was one of 23 players named to Canada’s roster earlier this week. The 16-year-old NDSS student first impressed the coaching staff at a tryout camp held in Calgary in August and then sealed her spot with a strong showing with the Nepean Junior Wildcats of the PWHL.
“I was a bit surprised,” Wheeler said of learning she’d been selected. “Kind of relieved because I wasn’t sure how it was going to go.”
The selection was a huge accomplishment for Wheeler, who plays forward, as she had never even played for Ontario, let alone Canada, before trying out for the U18 team.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Japan and getting to represent my country,” said Wheeler. “It’s a whole new experience.”
She’s already made some friends on the team and is looking forward to working with some of the top coaches in the country.
“They’re really good coaches, you learn a lot in a short time and kind of need to,” said Wheeler. “They’re some of the best coaches I’ve worked with.”
Canada’s road to the gold medal will begin on Jan. 6 when they take on Sweden before facing off against the United States and Russia to close out the preliminary round of the eight team tournament. Canada will be looking for its first gold medal since 2014, following a silver finish in 2015, ‘16 and ‘17 before earning bronze last year.
Maddi Wheeler scores a game winning shootout goal during NDSS’ Invitational Tournament. Photo by Adam Prudhomme.
While this marks the first time earning a selection to Team Canada, Wheeler is no stranger to catching a scout’s eye.
“I’m going to Wisconsin for Division I hockey after high school,” said Wheeler, who impressed the Badgers’ staff two years ago and committed while still in Grade 9. “After that I’ll see where (hockey) takes me.”
While girls hockey in known to recruit early, a Grade 9 earning an invite is rare, which speaks to the talent they saw in her.
In the meantime the Grade 11 will continue to wear the ‘C’ for the NDSS Golden Hawks as she plays in her third KASSAA league season.