Jack Lenchyshyn will play for Team Manitoba at the 2015 Western Canada U-16 Challenge Cup in Calgary.

The Steinbach product, who was selected in the 7th round of the 2015 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft by the Regina Pats this past May, had a front row seat when Hockey Manitoba announced Team Manitoba's U-16 roster Monday afternoon in Winnipeg.

“I was excited,” said Lenchyshyn when he received the news that he had made the 20-player roster. “I know having my brother play there, it kind of set a goal for me that I wanted to play there too. I'm glad I accomplished that goal. It should be good.”

Tom Lenchyshyn played for Team Manitoba at the 2012 Challenge Cup and is currently skating with the WHL's Prince Albert Raiders.

Younger brother Jack says the tryout process for this years U-16 team was a challenge.

“It was tough for some parts. Especially the Top 40 - we were in a hotel for a couple of days, I know by the end, the pace of the games were getting a little slower because everyone was just so tired. All the guys fought through it and we still had a really good camp which I was glad to see.”

“We're all pretty tight knit,” added Lenchyshyn. “We're all good buddies so it will be good to have chemistry on the ice already even though we haven't practiced a whole lot together. I think we'll have some good chemistry. Lots of good guys here.”

Lenchyshyn, who made the Manitoba “AAA” Midget Hockey League's Eastman Selects roster this fall, feels Team Manitoba has to set the tone early in every game and play physical.

“I know we have a fast team so I hope we use that to our advantage,” Lenchyshyn said. “I think we'll do good out there.”

The 2015 Western Canada U-16 Challenge Cup will be held October 27st -November 1st in Calgary.

The Challenge Cup is a four team round-robin tournament and skills combine with Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan and serves as a major showcase for top WHL prospects and the Hockey Canada U-17 Program of Excellence.


Team Manitoba U-16 Roster