By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Local Osoyoos hockey stars Markus and Liam Ruck returned home with gold medals after competing in the U17 World Challenge in Sarnia, Ontario on Nov. 3-9.
The first step in Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence, the U17 World Challenge includes two Canadian teams and four international entries in a tournament that showcases the future stars of the game.
Best friends (l-r) Markus Rucks, Mathis Preston and Liam Ruck.
Nina Ruck photo
The tournament featured six teams including two from Canada (Red and White), as well as the United States, Sweden, Finland and Czechia.
The Ruck twins were both on Team Canada White along with their best friend Mathis Preston from Penticton who scored the gold medal-winning goal for the team.
Hockey family – (l-r) mom Nina, Markus, Liam and dad Derek Ruck.
Preston was selected third overall by the Western Hockey League’s Spokane Chiefs in 2023, while the Ruck twins play for the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers.
Team Canada White was victorious over Czechia on Nov. 3, before beating Finland in the quarterfinals, Sweden in the semifinals, and Team Canada Red 3-1 in the gold medal game.
“They and their teammates couldn’t be prouder!” the twin’s mom Nina Ruck commented.
The Ruck twins, Markus and Liam with the U17 World Challenge cup.
Nina Ruck photo
