Jordan Kennedy is the latest Lewiston Maineiacs’ player heading to Ontario over the holiday’s next month after he was named along with Maineiacs’ fourth round pick Stephen Woodworth to Team Atlantic’s roster for the World Under-17 Challenge which begins on December 29th and runs to January 4th in Timmons, Ontario.

“I am very excited that we have four players in the tournament, obviously, it speaks volumes in terms of our youth and who we have in our system going forward,” said Lewiston Maineiacs General Manager Roger Shannon in the team’s press release.

“Our game plan here this year is to build, and these young men will be the cornerstones of our building process, congratulations to our players and good luck.” 

Kennedy, 16, was drafted by the Maineiacs in the second round of the 2009 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League draft this past June. Kennedy has appeared in five games (0-3) this season, posting a 5.43 goals-against average, and a .859 save-percentage.

“It’s a pretty good opportunity for me,” Jordan Kennedy said. “I will see shooters all over the world; I can see what kind of talent there is (in my age group).”

Kennedy would like to face teammates Francois Beauvillier and Samuel Henley who made Team Quebec’s roster for the event.

“It probably will be fun playing against them for once,” he added. “I never played against them before in my life; it will be a fun time.” 
 
Woodworth, 16, currently plays for the Halifax Lions of the Maritime Junior A Hockey League. In 19 games with the Lions, he has registered six assists and 15 penalty minutes. He appeared in one game for the Maineiacs this season back on October 11 against PEI.

Team Atlantic’s roster consists of players from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

NOTES: Also making team Atlantic’s roster is 2011 Maine Black Bears men’s ice hockey recruit Darcy Ashley who’s leading the MJAHL in scoring with 18 goals and 21 assists in 23 games. Halifax Mooseheads’ Brent Andrews who considered Maine this past summer also made the team.

David Alexander, Maine’s goalie coach, will also serve as the goalie coach for Team Atlantic.

(Photo Courtesy of Lewiston Maineiacs)