Big news from Hockey Canada this afternoon as Edmonton Oilers prospect Beau Akey has officially been selected to don the Maple Leaf in this year’s World Junior tournament!
A huge honour
This selection is not only a huge honour for Akey, but a testament to how well he has progressed since being selected by the Oilers in the second round of the 2023 draft.
Akey joins a Canadian blueline that features some of the best two-way defensemen in junior, a key priority for the team this year. Akey made the team over offensive studs like Zayne Parekh, likely due to his trustworthiness on the ice, ability to play in many different situations, and be a calming presence with little risk.
With Canada’s goaltending less than spectacular this season, having a reliable blueline to lock things down will be crucial, and a mantra Akey can definitely contribute to.
In 24 games for the OHL’s Barrie Colts this season, Akey has put up four goals and 19 points, just 24 PIMs, and sits at an impressive plus-six.
Good luck, Beau
The Oilers fanbase will be pulling extra hard for Team Canada in this year’s WJC. Best of luck to Beau Akey and the Canadians in their pursuit of a gold medal. Canada failed to medal last year, but won back-to-back golds in 2022 and 2023.
