Victoria Royals Players Selected for U17 World Hockey Challenge

Two players from the Victoria Royals, forwards Eli McKamey and Jacob Schwartz, have been named to Team Canada White for the upcoming 2025 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. The tournament will take place in Truro, Nova Scotia, from November 2 to 8. They will be joined by Brock Cripps, a Victoria-born defenceman with the Prince Albert Raiders, who will represent Canada Red.

McKamey, hailing from Cowichan Bay, was selected 35th overall by the Royals in the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft. Although he has not yet made his Western Hockey League (WHL) debut due to a lower-body injury, he is currently listed as day-to-day according to the league’s injury report on October 14. Prior to joining the Royals, McKamey excelled at Shawnigan Lake School, where he tallied 48 points in 28 games during the 2023-24 season. He made headlines as the BCHL’s first-ever exceptional status player, appearing for the Penticton Vees at just 15 years old, and accumulating 31 points in 52 games there. Committed to the University of North Dakota for the 2026-27 NCAA season, McKamey is also eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft. His potential return could significantly benefit both the Royals and Team Canada.

In contrast, Schwartz has already made a notable impact in his first WHL season. The Vancouver native was chosen eighth overall in the 2024 WHL Draft and scored his first WHL goal during the Royals’ 3-2 overtime victory against Penticton on October 13. In his draft year, he dominated the Canadian Sport School Hockey League’s U15 division, leading with 30 goals and contributing 26 assists in 26 games for St. George’s School.

Royals general manager Jake Heisinger praised both players for their hard work and talent. “Any time you can play for your country is a huge honour and a great experience,” Heisinger stated in an interview with Victoria News. He emphasized Schwartz’s continuous improvement, noting, “He’s a talented player, and it will be great for him to play against his peers in a high-profile tournament.”

Cripps, who was selected second overall in the 2024 WHL Draft, is also making headlines in his early WHL career. The 16-year-old has registered four assists and boasts a +7 rating through the first seven games with Prince Albert.

The annual U17 showcase has established itself as a critical proving ground for aspiring NHL stars. The tournament features two Canadian entries competing against teams from Sweden, Finland, Czechia, and the United States. Alan Millar, the general manager of Hockey Canada’s program of excellence, emphasized the event’s importance in nurturing Canada’s future elite players. “We are incredibly proud to announce the 44 athletes who will represent Canada at the U17 World Challenge next month in Truro,” Millar said. “This is an important step in their development and a tremendous opportunity to wear the Maple Leaf.”

Team Canada Red will kick off the tournament against Finland at 11:30 a.m. on November 2, while Canada White will begin their campaign on November 3 at 3:30 p.m. against Sweden. The medal games will be broadcast live on TSN.