Two Manitobans will try to help Canada capture its first gold medal in three years at next month’s U18 Women’s World Hockey Championship in Czech Republic.
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Deloraine forward Ashton Bell and Elm Creek goalie Corinne Schroeder are among the 23 players named to the national women’s under-18 team. Bell won silver with Canada at the 2016 U18 Women’s World Hockey Championship.
“We are excited about the group of players we have selected and are confident that they all possess the qualities we were looking for in a gold medal team,” said Team Canada head coach Troy Ryan in a statement.
Pilot Mound’s Delaney Collins will serve as one of the team’s assistant coaches at the tournament.
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Canada plays its first game on Jan. 7 against Sweden. The gold medal match is scheduled for Jan. 14.
The country finished in second place at the last two U18 Women’s World Hockey Championships. Canada has won the title four times in the tournament’s nine year history.