An Amherstburg hockey player will compete in a prestigious hockey tournament next month.
Ten-year-old Jonathan Wammes has been selected by the Toronto Bulldogs hockey team to compete in Edmonton at the Brick Invitational tournament. Only 14 teams across North America compete in the July 1-7 hockey tournament and Wammes was chosen for one of two Ontario teams.
The tournament will take place in Edmonton.
“There were tryouts in the summer (of 2023) I had to go to,” said Jonathan.
Tryouts consisted of three hours of on ice training and dry land training as well. It took place last July.
When offered the position, it was discussed among the Wammes family before it was agreed that Jonathan would go.
“It’s a big commitment,” said his father David.
Jonathan officially signed with the Bulldogs last November.
“This is quite a prestigious event for ten-year-olds,” said his mother Andrea.
Frequent trips to Toronto have occurred since.
Wammes plays regularly for the Sun County Panthers AAA program, where he is a forward. He was also invited to other tryouts for different teams during the year, but they knew other players from the Bulldogs program and that helped Jonathan make the decision.
“I just like the coaches and the organization and how organized they are in practices,” said Jonathan. “I have a lot of friends on that team I played with before.”
Jonathan said he feels “pretty good” as the trip to Edmonton approaches. The games will be live streamed at video.hnlive.ca from the West Edmonton Mall.
“I feel excited and happy,” he said.
Jonathan said he likes playing forward, particularly centre.
“I get to go more places on the ice and help out a lot with other players,” he said.
Long-term goals for Jonathan include playing in the World Junior Hockey Tournament and eventually the NHL.
The Brick Invitational Tournament is comparable to what the Little League World Series is for baseball.
“This is a big tournament for ten-year-olds,” David emphasized. “It’s the best 200 kids in North America.”
Jonathan thanked his current coach Kyle O’Neal and development coaches Thomas Luxik and Danny Anger.
“A shout out to my parents,” he added.
Andrea added “it’s a cool opportunity to represent Amherstburg.”
For more information on the tournament, visit www.brickhockey.ca.
Local ten-year-old invited to play on prestigious hockey team
By Ron Giofu
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