Petes Player and Coach Named to Canada’s U17 Capital City Challenge

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Petes' forward Nick Lardis has been named to Canada’s U17 roster, while Rob Wilson has been named Head Coach for Team White for the inaugural Capital City Challenge in Ottawa, Ontario announced by Hockey Canada on Friday.

Lardis, a 5’10”, 155 lbs winger, has appeared in all 10 games in his rookie season, tallying four goals and four assists for eight points. The Oakville, Ont. native and Petes' sixth overall pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection is tied for fifth in OHL scoring amongst rookies.

“I’m really honoured and excited to put the Team Canada jersey on for the first time in my hockey career,” said Lardis. “You see a lot of players who have success in Hockey Canada’s program who go on to have strong professional careers so it's a great next step for my career.”

Wilson has compiled a 74-58-4-4 record as Head Coach with the Petes including a 4-6-0-0 record this season. The Toronto, Ont. native and Petes alumnus was named Head Coach of Team Red for the 2020 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Hamilton, Ont. on Dec. 19, 2019. 

“It’s a great honour to work with Hockey Canada and to be named coach,” said Wilson. “It will be super exciting for me and for the young, elite hockey players across the country to work together in this competitive tournament. It’s a great opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.”

The Capital City Challenge will feature three national men’s U17 teams and Canada’s National Women’s Centralized Roster. Preliminary-round action kicks off Friday, Nov. 26 at TD Place Arena, home of the Ottawa 67’s.

The preliminary round finishes on Nov. 29 followed by the semifinals the following day. The medal games will take place on Dec. 1.

The Capital City Challenge will serve as a one-time event to replace the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge which was cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It also provides an opportunity for Canada’s National Women’s Team to compete as part of its centralization schedule.

Click here to see Canada’s full U17 roster.

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