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Tim Vanstone in Midget

Swift Current product Tim Vanstone has been selected to compete for Team West at the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge.

The Prince Albert Raiders rookie is honoured to play in the tournament.

Interview with Tim Vanstone"It's pretty surreal getting selected to put the Maple Leaf on your jersey," Vanstone said. "It's a good accomplishment for me. I was really hoping to make Team West. I thought that if I worked hard in the selection camp and doing what I needed to do to make (PA) I thought I did a good job in showing that I can play any role."

Vanstone made the Raiders as a 16-year-old and and has no points but 14 penalty minutes so far in 19 career games. He believes making the WHL was key in making Team West.

"I think it was very crucial," Vanstone added. "Having the game speed you can you play at the Western Hockey League level... I think it's going to help me a lot to have that up tempo game and (deal with) that speed."

Vanstone was a top six forward in Midget AAA and is playing a gritty two-way role with the Raiders. He is optimistic that will make him a versitile forward at the U17 event.

"I'm kind of like a wild card player," Vanstone said. "They can put me in any situation. I can play penalty kill, I can be that power play guy, I can play 4th line minutes... I'm all for doing anything I have to do to make a team better."

Swift Current Broncos defenceman Brycen Martin will suit up for Team Pacific at the tournament.

The World Under Under 17 Hockey Challenge goes from December 29 to January 4th in Victoriaville and Drummonville, Quebec.

Vanstone and the Prince Albert Raiders visit the Brandon Wheat Kings tonight. The Broncos are off until Tuesday when they host Brandon.