Moore pumped to represent Canada
Niagara rookie Lleyton Moore has been selected to represent Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge Nov. 3-10 in New Brunswick. Photo courtesy Niagara IceDogs.
Lleyton Moore has made an impressive first impression with the Niagara IceDogs.
The rookie rearguard is off to a strong start with six assists and a plus-6 rating in his first 12 games in the Ontario Hockey League.
His play has been so strong he was recently selected to represent Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge Nov. 3-10 in New Brunswick.
“It’s a great honour to represent my country,” said Moore, a native of Woodbridge. “It’s going to be overwhelming at first, but it’s going to be a good experience getting to know all the guys and playing against the best of the best.
“Hopefully we can go down there and get a medal.”
IceDogs head coach Billy Burke has no problem losing his young defender under the circumstances.
“I think it’s huge. I know it’s been a goal for him right from the summer,” Burke said. “I don’t think anyone is surprised by it. I know Hockey Canada thinks very highly of him. I think he’s probably going to play a big role on the team.
“It’s just great experience to see yourself against the best kids in the world at your age group, not just you league or your age group, but the whole world.”
Moore is eager to see how he stacks up against the top players in his age group from across the globe.
“I’ve been playing against a bunch of these guys for a long time so I’m kind of excited for that,” he said. “I’m going to get to see some new talent from out west and Quebec. It’s going to be a great experience to see how they play and interact with us.
“It will be interesting to see the competition for the 2020 draft.”
Moore’s play with the IceDogs gives credence he may have been the steal of the first round when he was selected with the 12th overall selection.
“I can honestly only think one or two moments where he’s looked like a rookie,” Burke said. “He’s looked like at 18-year-old right from Day 1. For an undersized, 16-year-old defenceman, you expect to have a bit of a learning curve but he battles and he’s tough. He has great IQ.
“We heard it was a steal to get him where we got him and that’s proven to be true.”
One of Moore’s top assets is his calmness with the puck.
“It’s very important,” Moore said. “You need to have very good confidence and be calm with the puck and be under control. You just have to do what you are told and focus shift by shift and if you have a bad shift, just toss it behind you and move on and worry about the next shift.”
Burke loves that aspect of Moore’s game.
“He doesn’t seem to get too worked up off the ice and that seems to translate on the ice in a good way,” Burke said. “There are times when he does have urgency and he will slide to block a shot or break up a pass, but when he has the puck he’s very composed. He’s a good passer and he makes smart decisions.”
Moore is expected to play an even bigger role next season for the IceDogs.
“There’s no reason why he won’t be talked about to be a top-60 NHL pick next year,” Burke said. “With the turnover we’re probably going to have next year, he’s going to step into a bigger role in his draft year and the sky is the limit for him.
“He should want to be the best defeneman in the league when he is 18.”
Team Canada Black, Team Canada Red, Team Canada White will represent the host country and compete against the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Sweden and the United States for the gold medal at the international tournament.
Games will be played in Saint John and Quispamsis, which will receive net proceeds from all ticket sales to support hockey in their communities.
The IceDogs, 6-4-2, are home to Peterborough for a rare Wednesday home game and then head to Saginaw Saturday and Flint Sunday.
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