Team Canada Cuts Kole Lind From World Junior Hockey Championship Roster

According to the Bobfather, TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Canucks prospect and 2017 second-round draft pick Kole Lind was among those caught up in Team Canada’s round of cuts tonight for the World Junior Hockey Championship.

Lind, 19, deserves a lot of credit for getting to this point. Coming into the season, it seemed unlikely that he’d force himself into Team Canada’s plans for the tournament period. That he started the year off as well as he did with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL and forced his way onto their radar is a testament to his quality as a prospect.

What’s more, Lind made it this far battling a bout of mononucleosis. In 23 games with the Rockets this season, Lind has 36 points (13 goals and 23 assists).

Based on the season Lind is having and the positional versatility he offers as someone who can play both the wing and centre, it’s interesting that he didn’t make it any farther in the process. I’m no expert on the intricacies of roster construction at the World Juniors, but I certainly thought he’d built a strong case for his inclusion.

According to TSN’s Mark Masters, Lind was fighting back tears upon receiving the news that he wouldn’t be a part of Team Canada’s roster this year. I’m sure part of that is Lind’s knowing that this was his last shot at making the team. By the next time this tournament rolls around, Lind will be 20-years-old and ineligible to play.

Lind looks to have a bright future. Who knows, maybe he’ll be playing for a different Team Canada at some point, and on a bigger stage.