'It’s super special': Zablocki set to represent Canada at world women’s under 18 championship

Article content Regina Rebels forward Styker Zablocki is set don the maple leaf beginning this weekend as she will represent Team Canada at the IIHF Under 18 World Women’s Hockey Championship which begins Saturday in Zug, Switzerland. “It’s super special,” Zablocki told the Leader Post prior to leaving for the tournament.

“It’s an opportunity not everyone gets to have and I’m so grateful that they selected me. “There’s no nerves anymore. I just feel super honoured to be chosen for that.” After being one of 46 players invited to attend Team Canada’s selection camp this summer, the Prince Albert product was officially named to Canada’s 23 player roster on Dec.

12. She found out over the phone after Hockey Canada gave her a one hour window during which they would notify players who made the final roster. The date fell on the same day the Rebels were slated to play a regular season game in the Saskatchewan Female AAA Hockey League. “I was just sitting there eating my pre game meal and I couldn’t even eat I was so nervous,” said Stryker.

“I had to wait 37 minutes … they ended up calling, so obviously after that, I was super stoked. “I called my mom right away and it was just pure excitement after that.” The 16 year old Zablocki — who turns 17 on Jan. 17 — is the lone Saskatchewan born player on Canada’s roster and also one of the youngest, being among five players on the team born in 2007, which the remaining 18 are 2006 born players.

And heading overseas to watch Stryker play will be her mom Heather, who alongside dad Jay, have been big supporters throughout her hockey career. “We’re just so proud of her,” said Heather. “She’s worked so hard and it’s nice to see her achieve her goals that she’s been trying to attain.

“I think it’s going to be amazing. They have such a great team and she’s developed really good relationships with many already.” Canada — who will be looking for their third straight gold medal — opens the tournament on Saturday against Germany. The medal games are set for Jan. 14. It will also be the second time in the last year that Zablocki has represented her country at an international event, as she was a member of Canada’s track and field team at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association’s (NACAC) under 23 championship last summer in Costa Rica.

“It’s super special,” said Zablocki, who finished in seventh place in the 100 metre race. “I’m always super honoured to wear the maple leaf.” Upon her return from Switzerland, Zablocki will look to continue her torrid pace with the Rebels, as she currently ranks first in the league with 24 goals and 17 assists for 41 points in 17 games, which is 17 points ahead of teammate Brooklyn Nimegeers, who sits second in the league with 24 points and 19 points up on teammate Avery Gottselig, who ranks third with 22 points.

After winning a bronze medal at nationals last year, the Rebels are off to another strong start this year, having put together a 14 3 record through 17 games this season. Last year, Zablocki — a Grade 11 Miller Comprehensive High School student who is committed to Northeastern University for the 2025 26 season — had 25 goals and 15 assists for 40 points in 30 games, which earned her the league’s rookie of the year award.

This season, she’s already eclipsed last year’s point total, while growing more confident with each and every game. “The triple A league is huge adjustment from U 15, so I think after having a year of playing there, I feel comfortable and adjusted to the pace now,” said Stryker, who played U15 AA in Prince Albert prior to moving to Regina where she lives with a billet family.

“I’m playing with some pretty talented linemates right now and that helps out a lot. “Just the overall strength of our team has helped with a lot of the girls’ individual success as well.” tshire@postmedia.com Share this Story : 'It’s super special': Zablocki set to represent Canada at world women’s under 18 championship Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr.