McQueen and Elick have represented their country twice before on the international stage, at the World Under-17 Challenge and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and they’ll now get their third opportunity as both players have been named to Canada’s roster for the coming World Under-18 Championships in Finland. They are two of the 19 players selected to the roster.
McQueen has been an offensive force for Canada at both tournaments he’s played in. He posted eight points in six games for Canada White at the U17s in 2022, and then, in the summer of 2023, put up seven points in five games en route to a gold medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Upon returning to the Wheat Kings, McQueen kept that offensive train rolling, more than tripling his rookie point total with 51 points in 53 games. Returning from injury just in time for the playoffs, McQueen led the Wheat Kings with four goals in four games in their first-round loss to the Moose Jaw Warriors.
Elick was also a member of Canada White in 2022 and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup team in 2023, putting up a total of four assists in eleven games across the two events. At the Hlinka Gretzky, he was noted for his stalwart work on the penalty kill.
Bringing a bruising, physical style back to the Wheat Kings, Elick also greatly outpaced his rookie season. He posted 27 points in 65 games for the Wheat Kings this season, with just one point (his final point in the last game of the year) coming on the power play. In the playoffs, he posted three assists in four games.
Elick is a top prospect for the 2024 NHL entry draft. McQueen, born too late in 2006 to be eligible for 2024, is considered a can’t-miss prospect for the NHL draft in 2025.
Canada begins their quest for gold at the U18s on April 25 against Sweden.
(Article courtesy of Rob Mahon/ Brandon Wheat Kings)
