Smiths Falls Bears’ DiCarlo heads to Russia for Junior Club Sirius World Cup in August

The Central Canada Hockey League, in partnership with Hockey Canada and the Canadian Junior Hockey League announced its 22-man roster for the upcoming Junior Club Sirius World Cup, which runs from Aug. 16 to 27 in Sochi, Russia.

The team, which consists of two goaltenders, seven defensemen, and 13 forwards, has CCHL representation from 10 of its 12 member clubs.

One of those forwards is Alex DiCarlo, 19, of the Smiths Falls Jr. A Bears. The 5-foot-10, 186 lb forward hails from Niagara Falls and led the team in scoring last season with 21 goals and 30 assists for 51 points. He just completed his second season with the Bears.

“I’m really excited and honoured to be chosen for the team,” DiCarlo said in a social media exchange. “I hope to represent the CCHL to the best of my abilities, and to help the team win.”

DiCarlo said he knew making the grade wouldn’t be easy.

“There’s a lot of great players in this league so I knew coming in it wouldn’t be easy, and I would have to work for a spot,” he said.

He credits head coach Mark Grady, associate coach Walt Dubas, and assistant coach Tom McLaren with his success since becoming a Bear.

“My coaches in Smiths Falls show a ton of confidence in me, which really helps me to build on my game,” he said.

DiCarlo said his mother, Stacey, and brother, Michael, will be heading to Russia with him.

“They’re really excited as well. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and excited for the whole experience,” DiCarlo said.

Dubas added, “Alex is a skilled player that we rely on to lead our offence,” he said. “He is a key part of our team and is a very fine person off the ice. His selection on the CCHL team going to Russia is very deserving and we are proud of Alex.”

The roster includes goalies Gabriel Carrier of the Kanata Lasers and Liam Souliere of the Nepean Raiders; defensemen Adrien Bisson of the Ottawa Jr. Senators; David Poirier of the Cornwall Colts; Brett Thorne of the Carleton Place Canadians; Liam Markhauser, Lasers; Simon Kerr of the Brockville Braves; Cade Townend, Canadians; and Benjamin Dirven, Colts.

Forwards include: Darcy Walsh of the Jr. Sens, Peyton Francis of the Canadians, Joshua Barns of the Colts; Brendan Browne of the Pembroke Lumber Kings; Zachary Tupker of the Canadians; Benjamin Tupker of the Canadians; Justin McRae of the Colts, Konnor MacCormick of the Colts; Sam Allison of the Canadians, Alex Robert of the Rockland Nationals, Ryland Mosley of the Canadians and Ashton Fry of the Kemptville 73’s.

Staff includes Brent Ladds, HC/CJHL Liaison; Sean Marcellus, operations manager, CCHL; Ian MacInnis, GM/assistant coach, Colts; Jason Clarke, head coach, Canadians; Dan Sauve, assistant coach, Nationals; Sheldon Adams, trainer, CCHL, and Dwayne Sawyer, equipment manager, Canadians.