Braden Reilly makes most of late call to World Under-17 Hockey Challenge
Braden Reilly was on his way to a Cambridge Redhawks game in the Greater Ontario Hockey League with his parents when he got the call to play for Canada Red at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
Reilly who was serving a suspension, instead headed to Oakville to replace injured Sudbury Wolves forward Tanner Adams as part of Hockey Canada.
"I came right here as soon as I could, and it was just really exciting," Reilly said.
The Kitchener Rangers prospect played in two knockout stage games with Canada Red, winning a bronze medal.
"It was an amazing feeling," he said. "It's almost like a dream come true, so a lot of honour, and I'm very proud."
The 16-year-old forward had nine goals and 20 points in 14 games with GOHL Cambridge at the Junior B ranks before leaving for the tournament. The Greater Ontario Hockey League has become an official development league for the Ontario Hockey League, which has paved the way for opportunities such as this one for Reilly.
"I think I've had a good start, and I think it's helped me develop to get to the next step," Reilly said.
While Reilly is still waiting to make his Rangers debut, he understands his time with the Redhawks is part of his development.
"I'm not really worried that much about Kitchener right now because I'm playing for Cambridge," he said. "But obviously I'd love to get called up."
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