Neighbours selected for Team Canada at World Juniors

When the St. Louis Blues assigned rookie Jake Neighbours back to his juniors team, the WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings, Blues fans had a feeling it wouldn't be long before they heard his name again.
Announced on Sunday, Neighbours has been selected to represent Team Canada at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championships.

Drafted 26th overall by the Blues in 2020, the 19-year-old forward played nine NHL games this season before assignment to juniors, scoring one goal and one assist to begin his professional career.
Since he rejoined the Oil Kings, Neighbours has used his Blues experience to be a leader on this young team, both in the locker room and on the ice. He was named the team's captain upon his return, and also currently leads the WHL in points per game.

Neighbours joins a talented Team Canada roster looking to win gold in their home country, hosting the World Junior Championships in Edmonton and Red Deer, AB.
"We were impressed with the level of competition at camp, and we knew we were going to have to make difficult decisions when it came time to name a final roster," said Hockey Canada director of player personnel Alan Millar. "Our players and staff look forward to the opportunity to compete in front of Canadian fans again, and we know this team will embrace the opportunity of wearing the Maple Leaf as we continue to build towards our goal of winning gold."
The World Junior Championships offers young players a chance to make names for themselves on a global stage, as countless current NHL superstars are tournament alums. Blues forward Brayden Schenn - who coincidentally hosted Neighbours in his home during his NHL stint - won the tournament's MVP Award for Team Canada in 2011, leading the tournament in points and winning a silver medal for his country.
The tournament begins on Dec. 26. with Canada's opening matchup against the Czech Republic.