麻豆传媒

Two Yorktonites helped launch Canada to the top of the hockey heap over the weekend, snagging the prestigious 2018 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup.

Kaeden Korczak (defence) and Nolan Maier (goaltender) fought with team Canada during the grueling week-long tournament in Edmonton. The team competed with groups from the United States, Russia, Sweden, Slovakia, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Finland. It was a tough ride with a fair share of nailbiters, but Canada ultimately came out on top.

鈥淚t was super cool,鈥� said Korczak. 鈥淸Pretty] surreal.鈥�

鈥淚t was incredible,鈥� Maier said. 鈥淸I鈥檓] kind of speechless.鈥�

Korczak (who plays with the Kelowna Rockets) and Maier (who plays with the Saskatoon Blades) earned their spots on the team. They competed against players from around the country at a tryout camp in Calgary.

鈥淸We] battled it out for a spot,鈥� Maier said.

The Yorktonites secured their places in the team, joining their fellow players against Switzerland on Aug. 6 in Canada鈥檚 first game of the tournament. Maier played a strong game, achieving an impressive shutout as Canada steamrolled Switzerland 10-0.

鈥淸I give] a lot of credit to my team,鈥� Maier said.

Canada trounced Slovakia (4-2) and Sweden (4-3) before facing their biggest challenge in the United States team on Aug. 10.

鈥淸You] always want to win against them,鈥� Maier said.

The teams jockeyed for control during the game, trading points before Canada won 6-5 in overtime. Korczak was proud of his work in the game.

鈥淚 played solid defence against the States,鈥� he said.

Canada faced Sweden again in the finals on Aug. 11, confidently dismantling their Scandinavian rivals 6-2 on their way to championship glory.

鈥淚t was awesome,鈥� Maier said.

The Yorktonites plan to take the lessons they learned at the tournament with them as they continue in their hockey careers.

鈥淎lways have that 鈥榯eam first鈥� mentality,鈥� Maier said.

鈥淲hen you represent your country, you check your ego at the door,鈥� Korczak said.