Two Saskatoon Blades rookies will play in next month’s world under-17 challenge.

Defenseman Aiden De La Gorgendiere and forward Kyle Crknovic are among the 66 players who will form the three Team Canada entries for the international tournament in New Brunswick.

Both said it’s an honour and are excited about wearing Canadian jerseys.

De La Gorgendiere feels there has been steady improvement over the first ten games of the regular season as major-junior hockey is a huge leap forward, especially the speed and strength of the opposition.  He has one assist in ten regular season games.

Crnkovic is recovering from a training camp injury but feels he is making steady progress.  He credits veteran team mates and the coaching staff for helping him get ready for a return to action.

Head coach Mitch Love said getting two players named to the Canadian teams was a credit to the organization and believes going up against their peers from around the hockey world will be great confident boosters for both players. Love hopes Crnkovic will be ready to return to the lineup next week.