Magnus Talks Gold Medal

Magnus hoists the championship trophy (Photo by Randy Magnus)

The Summer Olympics open today in London, but a member of the Swift Current Broncos already brought a gold medal back from Europe.

Earlier this summer, Christian Magnus helped lead Canada to a gold medal at the World Under 20 Ball Hockey Championship. He was very proud to wear the red and white.

"It doesn't matter what sport," Magnus said. "To represent your country is an amazing feeling. To bring gold back to Canada... is such a great feeling."

Magnus had an assist as Canada came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 3-2 in the gold medal game. He finished with a goal and 5 assists in 5 tournament games.

"It was awesome," Magnus added. "It was my first time overseas. The competition was really good... to play for Canada and meet a lot of new friends."

Magnus was the only Western Hockey League players on the team, althoughhe noted there were four players from the Ontario Hockey League. The former first round WHL Bantam Draft pick caught the eye of scouts while playing for Team Saskatchewan in the Junior Nationals last summer.

"I had never played until I got picked up to play on Team Sask," Magnus said. "There was a bunch of guys I played hockey with on the team... I guess there were some scouts there and stuff and they invited me for the U20 Canada team."

He felt playing ball hockey was a good way to stay in shape in the summer.

"The cardio involved in great," Magnus noted. "You've got to keep running the whole time. It's pretty tiring... there's definitely no gliding."

Magnus is entering his overage season in the WHL this fall. He has scored 64 points in 243 WHL games, including 24 in 62 games last season. The Saskatoon native finished the season strong on a line with Graham Black and Ryon Moser by scoring 7 goals and 10 points in his final 9 games.

"I definitely want to bring it into the next season," Magnus said. "Especially being a 20-year-old with only three spots available, if I can carry it on it gives me a good chance to stay in the league."

The other potential returning overage players are Moser, Dalton Reum, Erik Fleming and Jordan Evans. Evans missed most of last season with a concussion. Andy Blanke was in the mix before leaving the Broncos to attend the University of Saskatchewan and play with the Huskies this fall.

Interview with Christian Magnus: