WINNIPEG, MB – Hockey Manitoba is excited to release the 2013 rosters for U-16 and U-18 Team Manitoba.  The U-16 (Male) Team Manitoba contingent will compete at the Western Canada U-16 Challenge Cup in Calgary, AB held October 31 – November 3, followed by U-18 (Female) Team Manitoba competing at the National Women’s U-18 Championships held November 6-10, also held in Calgary, AB.

U-16 Team Manitoba looks to rebound off a poor performance at the 2012 Western Canada U-16 Challenge Cup where the team finished 0-4-0 placing fourth out of four teams.  Previous to 2012, Team Manitoba came home with silver medals in 2009 and 2011 losing to Team Alberta on both occasions in the gold medal final.  Leading U-16 Team Manitoba on the bench is head coach will be Doug Sinclair, currently coaching as an assistant with the Winnipeg Thrashers (MMHL), joined by assistant coaches Wayne Bartley, Rob Smith and Dennis McNish.

U-18 Team Manitoba had more success in 2012 but just missed out on a gold medal as they fell in the final to Team Ontario-Blue in Dawson Creek, BC.  After two trips as assistant coach (2009, 2012), Neil Chow has made the step up to head coach for the U-18 program.  Chow currently is head coach of the Winnipeg Hawks (Male, Bantam II AAA), and is joined by assistant coaches Andrea Keating, Reid Sloan and Ferdi Nelissen.

CLICK HERE FOR U-16 TEAM MANITOBA ROSTER

CLICK HERE FOR U-18 TEAM MANITOBA ROSTER

Keep posted throughout October and early November for Team Manitoba news, player profiles, tournament schedules, and more.  More details will also be released to promote the “Home Ice Advantage – Charity Game” which will take place on Monday, October 28th as U-16 Team Manitoba plays in an exhibition match versus the Winnipeg Wild (MMHL).  Not only will this game will be used as a final preparation for U-16 Team Manitoba before heading to Calgary, but will also be a special event to raise money for local charities.

For more information about the Hockey Manitoba Program of Excellence please visit www.hockeymanitoba.ca/players/poe.  Hockey Manitoba is pleased to recognize Canad Inns and Reebok-CCM Hockey as Official Partners of the Program of Excellence, along with Gatorade as the Official Sport Drink of Hockey Manitoba.