BY Jonathan Huntington
SASKATOON – Courage Bear – the Head Coach of the Warman Wildcats – had the perfect response to the news that seven players from the SMAAAHL (alumni and present) will represent Canada at the U17 World Challenge in November.
“I think it speaks volumes to the competitiveness of the league and also to the development of minor hockey in our province,” he remarked Wednesday night. “Given our small province, we are (producing) talented players.”
Calder Hamilton (Warman Wildcats 2024-25; 49 points in 40 games), Kayden Stroeder (Saskatoon Contacts 24-25; 60 points in 40 games), Chase Surkan (Regina Pat Canadians 24-25; 73 points in 41 games), Blakey Chorney (Saskatoon Blazers 24-25; 67 points in 41 games), Boston Tait (Pat Cs 24-25; 23 points in 41 games) and current Pat Cs Maddox Schultz and Liam Pue will travel to Nova Scotia to represent the country.
“The SMAAAHL is one of the top (U18AAA) leagues in the country to develop elite players,” added Saskatoon Blazers Head Coach Troy Walkington. “All teams allow players to showcase their individual skills and give them the tools to play at the next level.”
Walkington helped develop Chorney into one of Canada’s elite young players. “Chorns stepped in from our first practice last year and raised the competitiveness of our team,” continued Walkington. “He drove every line he played with and forced his teammates to play at his level. His IQ, maturity, skills and his leadership made him an exception Blazer.”
Hamilton had a big impact on the Warman Wildcats blue line last year. “He is a smooth skating, highly-skilled D-man who can impact the game at both ends of the ice,” added Bear.
From Martensville, Hamilton is now playing in Calgary in the WHL. Chorney is now with the Vancouver Giants in the WHL. Tait (Wenatchee), Surkan (Brandon), Stroeder (Edmonton) are also in the WHL. Schultz and Pue are sharing time this year between the Pat Cs and the WHL’s Pats.
