2023 Canada Games: Team Nova Scotia Preview

Team Nova Scotia should be a team to watch at the 2023 Canada Games as some very highly touted prospects will look to make an impact at every position. 

Team Nova Scotia won the QMJHL Cup in Dieppe earlier this season and showed a lot of promise heading into  the Canada Games. At the last Canada Games in 2019, Nova Scotia finished 6th out of 13 teams.

Nova Scotia should have a strong defensive team this year with a lot of good size defenders who can also move and skate the puck well. Highly rated defensemen Owen Conrad and Brady Peddle should be tasked with shutting down the opponents while also bringing some offense to the table, while Drew Allison, Ben Lindsay and Connor Foston should bring some stability, size and puck moving ability from the back end. Offensive defenseman Kingsley Austin will probably gain the opportunity to play on the power play and try to generate some offense with quick transitions while Kenzie Wagner’s physicality should be an asset during tight defensive games. 

Offensively, Cole Chandler and Lane Sim, both top 10 point producers in the NSU18MHL, should lead a deep and versatile offensive group. Drew Keiver will try to replicate his success from the QMJHL Cup in Dieppe where he showed great playmaking ability and the ability to run a powerplay, while good size forwards Logan Roop, Luc Legere and Luke Foley will try to bring some skill and physicality to complement their offensive partners. Jacob Rhyno will try to continue his offensive domination from the last few weeks and Luke Sinclair should also be an important player in the offensive zone with his skill and hockey sense. Forwards Luke Dooley, Maddex Marmulak and Jack Hayne should bring a lot of speed and energy to the game.

In net, both Cohen Stoddard and William Stonehouse should get a chance to take the starting role. Both have been solid during the regular season in the NSU18MHL.