Congrats to Blake Speers of Team Canada

The Northern Ontario Hockey Association would like to congratulate Sault Ste. Marie native Blake Speers on being named to Team Canada’s World Juniors Under-20 team!

Blake, who plays for the Ontario Hockey League’s Soo Greyhounds and is a prospect of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils (drafted at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft in the 3rd Round, #67 overall), played his entire minor hockey career in Sault Ste. Marie with the Soo Peewee Hockey Association and the Sault Major Hockey Association.

In 61 games played with Soo Thunder Minor Midget AA in 2012-2013, he posted 43 goals and 70 assists for 113 points. He also was a member of Team NOHA and in 9 games played at the 2013 OHL Cup and 2013 OHL Gold Cup he produced a stat line of 4 goals and 6 assists for 10 points.

Current NHLers/NOHA alumni who have competed at the World Junior Hockey Championship include Brendan Perlini (2016 WJHC, Arizona Coyotes), Marcus Foligno (2011 WJHC, Buffalo Sabres), Claude Giroux (2008 WJHC, Philadelphia Flyers), and Derek MacKenzie (2001 WJHC, Florida Panthers).

We wish Blake the very best luck at the tournament as Team Canada strives for Gold on home ice. For a full schedule of the WJHC or to purchase tickets to any of the WJHC games, please visit the Hockey Canada website at http://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/Team-Canada/Men/Junior/2016-17