The season has ended for the Brandon Wheat Kings, but a number of their younger players look to continue theirs with a chance to represent Canada.
Jaxon Jacobson and Giorgos Pantelas have been named to the preliminary camp roster for Team Canada for the World Under-18 Championships in Slovakia on April 22. Canada has invited 23 players to their pre-tournament camp, but may add more players as other teams are eliminated from the CHL playoffs.
Jacobson, who is not eligible for the NHL draft until next season, led all skaters on the camp roster with 85 points in 63 games, which he followed up with four points in four playoff games. He is considered a top-prospect for the 2027 NHL Entry Draft and was the Wheat Kings’ second leading scorer this season, leading the team in assists with 60.
Pantelas, who is a top prospect for the coming NHL draft, set new career highs across the board in his sophomore season with the Wheat Kings, posting 37 points in 68 games played. The 6-foot-2, 211-pound defenseman has already represented Canada internationally twice (including the Hlinka Gretzky Cup this past summer) and has played in both the CHL vs. UNTDP prospect showcase and the WHL Top Prospects Game.
Team Canada opens the World Under-18s on April 23 against the host Slovakians.
