What to look for from the U-17s
Published 10:53 am Sunday, November 2, 2014
The U-17 World Hockey Challenge begins today in Sarina and Lambton, Ontario. There are no Everett players who are taking part, but that doesn’t mean there’s no reason for Tips fans to pay attention.
Everett’s top two picks in the 2013 bantam draft, forwards Tyson Jost and Patrick Khodorenko, are both taking part. Jost, Everett’s first rounder, is playing for Canada White (this year Canada cut down from five to three teams, and the players were distributed randomly instead of by region). Khodorenko, Everett’s second rounder, is playing for the U.S.
It’s possible we’ll never see Jost or Khodorenko in Everett. Both would be playing for the Tips this season had they committed to the WHL route, and both probably would have significant roles because they’re considered elite prospects. Instead, Jost is playing for the Penticton Vees of the BCHL, Khodorenko is playing for the U.S. NTDP, and both have left their NCAA options open.
But both spent time at training camp in Everett last year, and neither has committed to an NCAA school yet, so it’s still possible we’ll be seeing them in Tips jerseys eventually. Especially if the Tips can land Auston Matthews to serve as a tantalizing potential linemate.
