McInnis Picked for Canadian Team
October 19, 2022 – United States Hockey League (USHL) – Waterloo Black Hawks News Release
Waterloo, Iowa – First-year Waterloo Black Hawks defenseman Keith McInnis was selected by Hockey Canada to appear during the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge scheduled for November 3rd through 12th in British Columbia.
Unfortunately an upper body injury suffered on October 8th will keep McInnis from participating. The 16-year-old was having an excellent start to his junior hockey career. McInnis scored in his first USHL game, a 5-2 Black Hawks victory over the Youngstown Phantoms on September 24th. In total, he had two points (one goal, one assist) through four games, with a +1 plus/minus differential at the time of the injury.
Hawks Head Coach Matt Smaby expressed optimism that McInnis will turn his circumstances into an opportunity for growth.
“What’s the upside? I think there is a benefit at times of watching the game from afar…understanding time and space and what goes on out there. It’s a chance to become a student of the game and learn more about the position. Is it ideal? Absolutely not, but I think there are ways to grow and get better, and we’re working with Keith to make the best of the situation.”
McInnis is committed to the University of North Dakota for the 2024/25 season. The Red Deer, Alberta, native is the youngest player on the Black Hawks roster. He was acquired last April through the United States Hockey League’s tender process prior to the 2022 Phase I Draft.
“Everything about Keith has shown maturity from our earliest contacts with him last season,” said Black Hawks General Manager Bryn Chyzyk. “This is a temporary obstacle, but Keith is going to continue to excel with our organization. Even though he will miss this World U17 event, there are going to be a lot of other opportunities in his future to play for his country and to do other great things. For now, the focus is working with Todd Klein and Spenser Popinga to get him back to 100 percent.”
The World Under-17 Hockey Challenge is being played for the first time since 2019 and includes three squads from Canada, as well as entries from Czechia, Finland, Sweden, and the United States. Rinks in Langley and Delta, British Columbia will host the games next month. The longstanding event was first held in 1986.
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