Sault Ste. Marie’s Jack Matier has made the Canadian National Junior Team.
Matier, who is in the midst of what will be a career year offensively with the Ontario Hockey League’s Ottawa 67’s, is one of seven defencemen on the team that will compete at the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship in Halifax and Moncton just after Christmas.
A former first round pick of the 67’s, Matier’s previous Hockey Canada experience includes playing on the Canadian entry that won gold at the 2021 U18 World Championship.
Drafted by the NHL’s Nashville Predators in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Matier has nine goals and 26 points in 26 games this season with Ottawa.
His nine goals tie a career high while his assists (17) and points (26) totals are both three short of career highs.
His previous career highs of nine goals and 20 assists for 29 points were set during the 2021-22 season.
Matier is in his third full season with the 67’s.
Team Canada opens the tournament on Dec. 26 in Halifax against Czechia.