Both USA Hockey and Hockey Canada released their rosters for the upcoming World Junior “A” Challenge in Penticton, British Columbia from November 8-14. Team USA will have former Berwick Academy goaltender Casey DeSmith and Canada East’s roster will include former Lewiston Maineiacs forward Nick Huard.
DeSmith, 19, who’s uncommitted and now plays for the Indiana Ice of the United States Hockey League was the Reebok USHL Goaltender of the Week for last week. He has three wins this season, allowing just one goal total in those three contests, and has posted a .948 save percentage.
The Rochester, New Hampshire native is in his second season with the Ice. The other goalie will be Zane Gothberg, a sixth round draft pick of the Boston Bruins in 2010 and a North Dakota recruit.
Huard also 19, will be playing in his second World Junior “A” Challenge where he had a goal and an assist in last year’s event. With the Woodstock Slammers of the Maritime Hockey League this season, he has 12 goals and 12 assists in 13 games. The Woodstock Slammers are ranked 6th in the latest Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) Top 20 rankings.
He played half season with the Maineiacs in 2008-2009 where he had three assists. Last season he played in four games scoring two goals and adding a pair of helpers.
Team USA won last year’s event by defeating Canada West in the Gold Medal Game.
Notes: Speaking of Indiana Ice goaltenders, their back-up is South Portland native Jon Gillies. The 16-year old is committed to Northeastern for either the 2012 or 2013 season. His father is Bruce Gillies who played for New Hampshire from 1980-1985.
