Vancouver Giants prospect Ryan Lin is one of seven Western Hockey League players selected to represent Canada at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon in the Republic of Korea.
Hockey Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee announced the men’s hockey roster Thursday, Dec. 21.
Lin, 15, was the sixth overall selection by the Giants in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft. The defenceman is playing for Delta Hockey Academy’s U18 prep team this season, currently leading them in scoring with 25 points in 19 games (7G-18A). Amongst all defencemen in the U18 prep division in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, Lin’s 25 points rank third.
“Congratulations to Ryan on being selected to represent Canada at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games,” Giants General Manager Barclay Parneta said. “Wearing the Maple Leaf at the Games will surely be a special experience for him. The Giants wish Ryan and the rest of Team Canada good luck next month.”
Five WHL Clubs will be represented by a prospect on Canada’s men’s hockey roster for the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games. The Medicine Hat Tigers and Spokane Chiefs boast two players each, while the Prince Albert Raiders, Vancouver Giants and Victoria Royals will also be represented by one player each.
Ryan Smith, Head Coach of the Spokane Chiefs, was also announced as the head coach of Canada’s squad.
The 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games are scheduled for January 19 through February 1, 2024. This marks the fourth edition of the Winter Youth Olympic Games and the first in Asia. The men’s hockey tournament runs from Saturday, January 27 through Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
Team Canada has participated in the men’s hockey tournament at each Winter Youth Olympic Games to date, winning the bronze medal at Innsbruck 2012 and Lausanne 2020, and the silver medal at Lillehammer 2016.
Canada opens the Youth Olympic tournament against host South Korea on Saturday, January 27 (4 a.m. MT) and will play Finland on Monday, January 29 (4 a.m. MT) Semifinals will be played Tuesday, January 30 with the medal games scheduled for Wednesday, January 31.
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