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Hamilton to oversee Canada91Ƶs U18 program

Kelowna Rockets91Ƶ GM to work on Hockey Canada91Ƶs three-man management team
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Kelowna Rockets91Ƶ GM Bruce Hamilton (middle) has returned to Hockey Canada91Ƶs Program of Excellence management team. -Image: Marissa Baecker/Shoot the Breeze

Under the guidance of president and general manager , the WHL91Ƶs Kelowna Rockets have compiled one of the most impressive records in major junior hockey over the last 15 years.

So it should come as little surprise that Hockey Canada has once again tapped into Hamilton91Ƶs knowledge base by naming him to the Program of Excellence management group for the 2017-18 season.

For the first time since his involvement with Hockey Canada, Hamilton will support and manage the U18 program, including Canada91Ƶs entry in the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

91ƵIt91Ƶll be a unique experience working with the top group of kids at this age,91Ƶ Hamilton said. 91ƵIt91Ƶll give us a good idea what our future is going to look like. More importantly, it91Ƶs the only time we have a true under 18 team put together, so it91Ƶs a key part of the process.91Ƶ

As always, the U18 program is a stepping stone to the ultimate junior experience in Canada91Ƶplaying for Hockey Canada91Ƶs entry at the annual IIHF U20 world championship.

91ƵIt91Ƶs a chance to let these players know how serious this is and that this is their opportunity to leave a real footprint with Hockey Canada going forward, and one day maybe playing at the world juniors,91Ƶ Hamilton added.

Hamilton has been a part of Hockey Canada91Ƶs Program of Excellence since 2013. He was a member of the management group for Canada91Ƶs national U20 team in 2014 at the IIHF world juniors in Malmö, Sweden, and again in 2015 when the Canadians won the gold medal at the WJC in Toronto.

Joining Hamilton on the three-man management team are Steve Staios of the OHL91Ƶs Hamilton Bulldogs, who will oversee the U17 program, and Joël Bouchard of the QMJHL91Ƶs Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, who returns to the national U20 junior team.

91ƵTheir skill, knowledge and dedication to excellence will lead us through the year as we look to continue Canada91Ƶs tradition of excellence on the ice, and further develop skilled, committed players through our program,91Ƶ said Scott Salmond, vice-president of hockey operations and national teams with Hockey Canada.

The owner, president and GM of the Rockets, Hamilton91Ƶs club won the WHL title four times in a 12-year span91Ƶ2003, 2005, 2009 and 201591Ƶand the Memorial Cup title in Kelowna in 2004.

Hamilton is currently serving his second stint as chairman of the Western Hockey League91Ƶs board of directors since 2008. He also held the position from 1998 to 2004.





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