12 WHL Alumni named to U SPORTS All-Star Series roster
Twelve Western Hockey League alumni, including four returning players, highlight the U SPORTS Men’s Hockey All-Stars roster set to face Hockey Canada’s World Junior Prospects in Victoria, B.C. from Dec. 12 to 14.
The 25-man rosters includes two goaltenders, three defencemen, and seven forwards with WHL experience, led by a trio of players from the University of Alberta who raised the David Johnston University Cup last March in Jason Fram, Cole Sanford, and Luke Philp.
The Calgary Dinos and Saskatchewan Huskies lead the way with four players each named to this year’s All-Star roster who have WHL experience. In addition to the three from the Golden Bears, goaltender Mack Shields of the York University Lions will also take part in the event.
| Position | Name | Hometown | University | WHL Experience |
| Goaltender | Mack Shields | Saskatoon, Sask. | York Lions | Calgary Hitmen, Prince George Cougars, Medicine Hat Tigers |
| Goaltender | Jordan Papirny | Edmonton, Alta. | Calgary Dinos | Brandon Wheat Kings, Swift Current Broncos |
| Defenceman | Jason Fram | Delta, B.C. | Alberta Golden Bears | Spokane Chiefs |
| Defenceman | Jesse Forsberg | Waldheim, Sask. | Saskatchewan Huskies | Prince George Cougars, Seattle Thunderbirds, Moose Jaw Warriors |
| Defenceman | Dylan Busenius | Sherwood Park, Alta. | Calgary Dinos | Medicine Hat Tigers, Prince Albert Raiders, Saskatoon Blades |
| Forward | Cain Franson | Sicamous, B.C. | Calgary Dinos | Vancouver Giants |
| Forward | Carson Stadnyk | Saskatoon, Sask. | Saskatchewan Huskies | Everett Silvertips |
| Forward | Kohl Bauml | Saskatoon, Sask. | Saskatchewan Huskies | Everett Silvertips |
| Forward | Cole Sanford | Coldstream, B.C. | Alberta Golden Bears | Medicine Hat Tigers, Regina Pats |
| Forward | Wyatt Johnson | Saskatoon, Sask. | Saskatchewan Huskies | Red Deer Rebels, Spokane Chiefs |
| Forward | Luke Philp | Canmore, Alta. | Alberta Golden Bears | Kootenay ICE, Red Deer Rebels |
| Forward | Riley Sheen | Edmonton, Alta. | Calgary Dinos | Medicine Hat Tigers, Seattle Thunderbirds, Lethbridge Hurricanes, Red Deer Rebels |
WHL Alumni and University of Calgary Dinos head coach Mark Howell will preside over the team as head coach. Fellow WHL Alumni Todd Johnson, now head coach of the University of Regina Cougars, will also be behind the bench as an assistant coach.
This will mark the fourth straight year Canada’s National Junior Team Prospects have faced off against the U SPORTS All-Stars, all of whom have CHL major junior experience. Since a U SPORTS national all-star team began participating in December 2015, the teams have split the last six contests. Last December, reigning Defenceman of the Year Jason Fram of the Alberta Golden Bears scored with 6.5 seconds remaining to secure back-to-back victories for U SPORTS for the first time.
New this year, the event will feature a three-game series against Team Canada’s World Junior Prospects vying for roster spots at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship being held in Vancouver and Victoria from Dec.26, 2018 – Jan.5, 2019.
“I am really excited about the roster we have assembled. We have players that can do a little bit of everything,” said Howell, who served as an assistant coach at the event the last two years. “All our guys can skate very well and have a ton of skill, but we will also be able to play a very intense game.
“I expect this team to work real hard and represent U SPORTS well. It is a privilege to play in these three games and it is an opportunity to show everyone our brand of hockey.”
Hockey Canada’s National Junior Team has faced various U SPORTS competition on a regular basis since 1988.
7️⃣ returning players highlight roster for 2018 U SPORTS Men’s Hockey All-Star Series 🌟
7️⃣ joueurs de retour dans l’alignement de l’équipe des étoiles du hockey masculin U SPORTS 2018 🌟
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— U SPORTS (@USPORTSca) December 4, 2018
