Regina Pats forward Cole Temple will have the chance to pad his hockey resume next month.
Earlier this week, Temple was named to represent Canada at the World U-17 Challenge in Prince Edward Island.
The 16-year-old said it’s a dream come true to compete for Canada on the international stage.
“I’m very super excited and honoured to wear the maple leaf on my chest.”
Selected by the Pats with the fifth overall selection in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft, the Brandon, Man. product has gotten off to a solid start in his rookie campaign in Regina with six points (4G-2A) in 13 games. He feels that he’s put in the right situation to succeed.
In his first season, The 5-foot-10, 161 lb. forward says he’s willing to help the team in any way possible.
“I’ll play any position and play my hardest.”
Temple’s first goal in the WHL will be something that he never forgets, scoring in his hometown against the Wheat Kings on the opening night of the regular season.
“One of the best feelings that’s for sure especially getting it in my hometown.”
Pats Head Coach Brad Herauf says that Temple is following in the footsteps of former Pats Captain Connor Bedard.
“Being a good teammate, puts his head down, just being a hard worker and not trying to stand out.”
According to Herauf, Temple excels in his hockey I.Q. and skating abilities.
“If you can think and you can skate, you know that makes transitions at most levels of hockey a lot easier for people.”
Herauf added Temple has improved with each game.
“He’s risen to the challenge of whatever position we had him so far.”
Six teams are participating in the World U-17 Challenge: two from Canada (Canada Red and Canada White) and teams from Czechia, Sweden, Finland, and the United States. Temple will be a member of Canada White.
Each team will play five preliminary games from Nov.2-7, the quarter-finals will be on Nov. 9, the semi-finals on Nov. 10 and the two medal games will be on Nov. 11.
Temple and the Pats will return to action on Friday night when they host the Saskatoon Blades at the Brandt Centre. Coverage on 620 CKRM begins at 6:35. The opening faceoff is at 7:00.
