Canada Cowboys Aim Top Guns At Europe

(Grassroots Page 10)

By Todd Curran

The Canada Cowboys have invited hockey players born between 1996 and 2000 to an exciting once in a lifetime opportunity to tour Europe and play hockey in Prague's prestigious Czech Hockey Challenge Cup.
Local player Josh Younker rocked his Holiday Season tryout and will soon be making his way to the historic Czech capital city. Players and their families will also be taking in some culture on the trip, touring such attractions as the Bavarian capital city of Munich, Mozart's hometown of Salzburg, the World Heritage town of Ceske Krumlov, medieval Rothenberg, the German Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle and the Legoland Amusement Park.
“There was a five session tryout between Christmas and New Year's,” says Josh, a 14 year-old centre for High Country Rockies Bantam A Tier 3 team. “Kids from all over Alberta tried out.” Josh's teammates Colby Walden (right wing) and Kirk Jackson (defense) from Millarville have also made the Top Guns team of 15 players.
As ambassadors for Canada, the Top Guns will be wearing red and white Canada Cowboys jerseys. Although the tour is a busy event, time is always left after every game to exchange jerseys, pins or even sign autographs with opposing players and fans.
The teams will be leaving in July and August of this year at a price tag of over $5,500 per player and $4,600 per non-player, scheduled to return two weeks later. The cost includes a pre-departure training camp, flight and hotel costs, two daily meals, travel insurance, tournament fees and other expenses.
“I'm really excited,” Josh says. “I can't wait to go.” Although the Top Guns team has a different coach, the boys' regular season coach Chet Musgrove is wishing the inspirational young leaders all the best on their European tour.