Canadian junior team makes first cuts: Mete, Merkley, Howden, Wagner

BOISBRIAND, Que. — The first cuts came quickly for four players at the Canadian junior team selection camp.

Defenceman Victor Mete and forwards Nick Merkley, Brett Howden and Austin Wagner were given the bad news after helping Canada beat a U Sports all-star team 3-0 in an exhibition game on Tuesday afternoon. Mete and Howden scored goals in the game.

Five more cuts are expected before the four-day camp closes on Wednesday to reach the final 22-man roster.

“It’s a learning experience and hopefully next year I can get another opportunity to make the team,” said Mete, who will return to the London Knights. “Of course I’m disappointed a bit, but I thought I played pretty good so I’ve got to keep my head high.

“We’ve got two more games left in London before the Christmas break so I’ll just go out there and try to keep showing them.”

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Mete, drafted 100th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in June, was the only defenceman from the Ontario Hockey League in the 31-man camp.

Merkley, an Arizona Coyotes prospect, will return to the Kelowna Rockets while Tampa Bay Lightning first-rounder Howden goes back to the Moose Jaw Warriors and Los Angeles Kings prospect Wagner to the Regina Pats.

The Canadian Press