Latest News

Noel joins Team Canada for Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup

Oshawa Generals right-winger Serron Noel is currently representing Canada on the under-18 team at the annual Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup taking place in the Czech Republic and Slovakia until Aug. 12. (Photo by Joel Wittnebel).

By Joel Wittnebel/The Oshawa Express

Serron Noel of the Oshawa Generals is joining a contingent of Canadian hockey players travelling across the ocean for the annual Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup.

Noel joins Team Canada’s under-18 team for the tournament currently taking place in Breclav, Czech Republic and Bratislava, Slovakia until Aug. 12.

The Oshawa Generals’ second round pick in 2016 joins 21 other players from across the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) taking part in the tournament including Ryan Merkley of the Guelph Storm and Kevin Bahl of the Ottawa 67s. The roster was cut down from a group of 42 CHL players during a selection camp in Calgary.

“It is great that Serron has been selected,” states Roger Hunt, the Oshawa Generals GM and vice president. “From all accounts, he got better as camp went on. With this, Hockey Canada is getting a great power forward.”

Noel tallied 21 points with eight goals and 13 assists in 63 games throughout his rookie season with the Generals.

And while Noel wasn’t the only General at the selection camp for the tournament, Gens rookie Allan McShane unfortunately picked up an injury that limited his ice time and bumped him from the roster.

“I feel terrible for Allan getting an injury at this time,” Hunt says. “Unfortunately, these things happen. It is something he will deal with and we are excited to get him back and healthy for the start of our season.”

Over the last 25 years of the tournament, Canada has won gold 20 times. This year, Team Canada competes in Pool B alongside Finland, Russia and Slovakia. Group A includes the Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States.

In a pre-tournament game on Aug 5 against the Czech Republic Canada (RESULTS TBD) and on Aug. 7 opened the tournament against Russia with a (RESULTS TBD).

The two top teams from each group will move on to the semifinals on Aug. 11 with the gold medal game scheduled for Aug. 12.

UA-138363625-1