Two players and Battalion goalie coach off to Hockey Canada Under-17 Development Camp

'It’s always a huge honour to represent your country, and we couldn’t be prouder of our 3 representatives. We wish them the best of luck as they start their journey for gold'

A pair of recent North Bay Battalion draft picks and the organization's goalie coach are heading to Oakville to take part in Canada's National Under-17 Development Camp. Goaltender Owen Loftus, from the Don Mills Flyers, selected 11th overall, will be attending along with Alexandre Saulnier, a big forward selected by the Troops in the second round, 35th overall out of the Ottawa Jr. 67's program. Nate McDonald, the Battalion's goaltending coach, is among the guest staff attending the event.

“It’s always a huge honour to represent your country, and we couldn’t be prouder of our 3 representatives. We wish them the best of luck as they start their journey for gold," said Adam Dennis, Battalion president and director of hockey operations. In total, the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) will send 31 prospects to Canada’s National Under-17 Development Camp, more than any other Canadian Hockey League (CHL) circuit, Hockey Canada announced Tuesday.

The camp runs July 17-21 at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville, with players split into four teams for two days of practice and six games from July 19-21. The roster was selected by Program of Excellence (POE) general manager Alan Millar, POE head scout Byron Bonora and U17 assistant general manager Mike Johnston (Portland Winterhawks, WHL), with input from Hockey Canada’s regional scouting staff that includes Scott Grieve (Erie Otters) and Rob Simpson (London Knights). Following camp, players will continue to be evaluated through the start of the 2026-27 season before Canada Red and Canada White rosters are named ahead of the 2026 U17 World Challenge, set for Nov. 1-7, also in Oakville.

Canada has won gold at the U17 World Challenge three years running. Last year in Truro, N.S., Canada White captured gold behind six OHL players, defeating a Canada Red squad that carried 11 OHL players by a 6-3 final.