Two New Brunswickers will be representing Canada on the world stage in hockey over the holiday season.
Bradly Nadeau of Saint-François de Madawaska, N.B., was the only Atlantic Canadian to make the roster for the national junior team leading up to the world junior championship in Ottawa.
“It’s amazing,” said Nadeau. “I think we have a special group, and I’m excited to be here.”
Nadeau plays for the Chicago Wolves, the American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes. He had the opportunity to play with the Hurricanes for a game in April.
Columbus Blue Jackets’ Erik Gudbranson, left, clears the puck as Nadeau defends during the first period of an NHL hockey game in April. (Jay LaPrete/The Associated Press)
Nadeau said he hopes to bring his offensive abilities to the ice on the junior team.
“You work your entire life to get to represent your country and now that I get the chance to do that, you know, I’m really excited and [I’m going to] give it, obviously, everything I’ve got.”
Ava Wood, a hockey player from Oromocto, is also getting excited to play for Team Canada.
The 17-year-old will be the only Atlantic Canadian player on Team Canada at the women’s world junior championship in Vantaa, Finland, in January.
Ava Wood, 17, will be representing on Team Canada at the women’s world juniors in Vantaa, Finland, at the beginning of the new year. (Submitted by Ava Wood)
“Ever since I was a little kid, I would always be going to the rink and going to the gym, and it’s just always been a passion of mine and something that I’ve always really worked hard at, is hockey,” she said.
“It’s been a lot of hard times, good times. But yeah, it all pays off in the end.”
Wood said this is a big step in her hockey career and she believes it will be a good opportunity to play in a different part of the world.
She currently plays for the Etobicoke Dolphins in southern Ontario and attends Appleby College in Oakville.
Wood is pictured as a young girl in a Team Canada jersey. She’ll be playing for Team Canada in an upcoming tournament in Finland. (Submitted by Ava Wood)
“Moving away at a young age was definitely a tough step in my hockey career, but something that I wanted to do to further myself in academics and athletics,” said Wood.
“I wouldn’t change it.”
After finishing her last year of school, Wood will be heading to Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y., to continue her academic and athletic career.
The women’s tournament will be held from Jan. 5-12, while the men’s tournament begins on Boxing Day and runs until Jan. 5.