After representing Canada at the U17 World Challenge, Maddox Schultz and Liam Pue are back with the Pats. The dynamic duo have spent the last year and a half playing together on the triple A Pat Canadians and Pats of the WHL, but for this international tournament. the two were put on different teams. Canada enters two teams at the U17 level and Schultz says the experience of playing against Pue was a blast. “I kind of let up on him in the corner when I was going to go for a hit usually but I saw it has him and I said, ‘You know, we need him for the year so I’m not going to finish a check,’ but it was super fun to play against him and hopefully in the near future we can play against each other again,” Schultz said. Donning a Team Canada jersey is not a first for Schultz and Pue but the growth that comes with international play is sought after as young players are making big steps into leagues like the WHL. “Yeah, a lot of guys go there and get some confidence just from playing with your own age group and it’s huge, especially when you’re 16 years old and trying to start your WHL, OHL, QMJHL season. I mean, that tournament’s a real confidence booster for a lot of players,” Schultz explained. On ice play isn’t the only bonus that comes with competing at such a high level, relationships are built with other elite players from across the country. It’s a skill that matters almost as much as your skills on the ice. Team chemistry is a key and Pue says it’s a huge part of these international Team Canada tournaments. “To go back to guys that are your own age, and make new friendships that last a lifetime, it’s so cool to meet those other guys and they’re such gifted hockey players and even better humans so it was so cool to build those friendships,” Pue said. Schultz led the tournament with a total of 17 points in five games and Pue finished tied for second at the event with 10 points. Neither missed a beat hopping back into the WHL both scoring in their first game back against the Saskatoon Blades. Pue’s goal was the overtime winner. They’ll be back on home ice in Regina Friday against the Portland Winterhawks.
