The 2017 World Junior A Challenge beginning Sunday in Turo, Nova Scotia will feature three future University of Denver Pioneers. Cole Guttman, who flipped his commitment to Denver from St. Cloud State last month, will represent the United States, while Brendan Budy and Brett Stapley will compete for Canada West.
Colorado Avalanche fans may remember the WJAC as the tournament where Tyson Jost took Canada West to gold with his MVP performance in 2015. Canada West comprises players from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Superior Junior Hockey Leagues. Other Canadian Junior A leagues — Northern Ontario, Ontario, Central, Quebec, Maritime — sent player to Canada East.