TEAM WHL: The Saskatchewan Connection

Nov 3, 2014 – 15:21 MDT

When Haydn Fleury skates out onto the ice for Team WHL at the 2014 SUBWAY® Super Series in Saskatoon, SK, on November 10th, it will mark a couple of firsts for the 18-year-old Red Deer Rebels defenceman.



Not only will it be his first time representing the WHL in the annual event, but he’ll also become the first player from Carlyle, SK, to suit up in Team WHL garb in the event’s 12-year history. While he may be the trailblazer for representing his hometown, Fleury will become the 45th Saskatchewan-born talent to skate for Team WHL against the Russians.

“I think any chance you can get to represent your hometown and your province in an event like this, it’s a huge honor, and it creates huge pride in those places,” said Fleury, who is the lone Saskatchewan-born player named to the Team WHL roster for the 2014 SUBWAY® Super Series.

When it comes to Saskatchewan-born players skating for Team WHL, Fleury joins some impressive company on the list. Anaheim Ducks’ captain and Regina, SK, product Ryan Getzlaf played for Team WHL in the very first edition of the series back in 2003, while Edmonton Oilers’ sniper Jordan Eberle, born in Regina, suited up for team WHL three times in 2007, ’08 and ’09. Saskatchewan-born NHL goaltenders Braden Holtby, Dustin Tokarski and Josh Harding all wore Team WHL sweaters during their time in the Western Hockey League as well.

For Fleury, joining such an esteemed list of Saskatchewanians who have played in the Super Series is something he can be proud of.

“It shows how many great hockey players have come out of the province of Saskatchewan,” said the Carolina Hurricanes’ first-round pick. “For me to be included among those names is another big honor.”

When the puck drops for Game 1 of the 2014 SUBWAY® Super Series in Saskatoon, it will mark the seventh time the province has hosted a Super Series game, and the second time the city of Saskatoon has played host to a Team WHL vs. Russia contest. Saskatoon first hosted a Super Series game in 2005, along with Regina. In 2008, the series toured through Swift Current and Saskatoon, and in 2011, Regina and Moose Jaw hosted.

Though Fleury will certainly soak up the honor of representing his home province at the game in Saskatoon, he expects the majority of his fan support at Game 2 of the series in Brandon on November 11th.

“My hometown is in the southeast corner of Saskatchewan, so it’s a bit closer to Brandon,” said Fleury. “I’m thinking I will see more of my friends and family at the game in Brandon.

Getting the chance to represent his hometown and home province in the 2014 SUBWAY® Super Series is definitely a feather in Fleury’s cap. However, he also knows the importance of a good showing in the games, and the impact it could have on his chances of representing his country at the World Junior Championship tournament in December and January.

“You know that over the first bit of the season, and especially in these games, that there will be eyes on you,” said the two-time member of Canada’s Under-18 team. “I’m going to just focus on playing my game, and not make it too complicated…just go out and do my thing on the ice.”

The 2014 SUBWAY® Super Series begins on November 10th

SASKATCHEWAN-BORN PLAYERS TO SUIT UP FOR TEAM WHL: