Nov. 20 / 07

By Guy Bertrand
Times Sports Editor

Steve Oursov was one of the many members of the Trail Smoke Eaters watching the action during the World Junior A Challenge at the Corninco Arena.

Little did he know that in a matter of days he was going to learn that he would also be playing in an international tournament.

Last week, the 16-year-old from Chilliwack was one of 11 B.C. players named to Team Pacific that will compete in the World U17 Hockey Challenge in London, Ont., at Christmas.

"It's a great honour," said Oursov, who got the news last Thursday as he was finishing up a Smokies' practice.

"It took me three years to make the team."

Oursov has attended BC Hockey's annual Best Ever camps for his age group, made his way through the CCM Cup evaluations but never made the final cut when it came to selecting a provincial team - until this year.

Oursov made his way through the 120 players involved in the CCM B.C. Cup in Salmon Arm in April, the 51 players invited to the provincial development camp in Nanaimo in July, and the 18 players shortlisted for the final selections.

The 11 B.C. players selected, which includes Landon Ferraro, son of Warfield' s Ray Ferraro, and Ryan Howse of Prince George, who made a memorable impact on Trail hockey fans during the 2006 B.C. Winter Games, will join 11 Alberta players to form Team Pacific.

The team features 14 players from the Westem Hockey League and two from the BCHL, Oursov and Cam Reid of the Victoria Grizzlies.

Oursov couldn't put his finger on what stood him out among the top young players in B.C.

"Every single player (at the development camp) was good enough to be there. But I guess it's the guy that works harder every minute that will make it eventually."

Russ Weber, assistant coach with Team Pacific, said in a press release that character was as important as skill in selecting the roster.

"It was a very extensive and thorough process," he said. "We believe we did the best job we could to ensure we selected the best players possible.

"Our criteria was based on speed and skill, team play, competitiveness and most importantly character.

"The entire staff strongly believes that one of the most important elements required to win a gold medal is having quality people on your team."

Oursov's appearance with Team Pacific will give the Trail region two representatives on the squad. Dennis McKinnon was named an assistant director of operations for Team Pacific last May.

In addition to the five Canadian teams (Pacific, Western, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic) there will be five international teams from Russia, USA, Slovakia, Germany and Finland at the WorId Challenge.

Oursov said the B.C. boys will have little time to get acquainted with their Alberta teammates.

"On Boxing Day we fly to Alberta, shake hands with the guys from Alberta and we're a team. I don't think we even get time to practice."

Regardless of the preparation, Oursov knows it will be a great experience over the holiday season.

"It makes for a great Christmas present."

The tournament runs from Dec. 27 to Jan. 4. That means Oursov will miss a minimum of three games over that stretch.

LONDON CALLING: Trail Smoke Eater rookie Steve Oursov will b'e off to London, Ont., next month to join Team Pacific at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge.