The start of winter often signals one of the great Canadian holiday hockey traditions, watching the World Junior Hockey Championships, and this winter’s edition of the tournament takes on a whole lot of extra meaning for one the international forwards on this year’s Cranbrook Bucks roster.
In late November, it was announced that Sam Lyne would be representing Team Great Britain at the Division 2 portion of the international junior hockey showcase in Croatia.
Photo Credit: Trevor Crawley
Lyne, from Chelmsford, England, made his debut with the Bucks during the 2024 playoffs. The skilled power forward has cemented himself as one of the best young hockey players from the United Kingdom, and looks forward to taking his talents to the world stage.
“It’s something I’m super excited about,” Lyne says. “I know everyone on the team pretty much. I grew up playing with a lot of these players, a lot of them are my good buddies from back home.”
This won’t be Lyne’s first time representing the Union Jack, he suited up with Great Britain’s U18 team on multiple occasions with a lot of the players who will be his teammates at the upcoming tournament in Croatia.
“A top three finish is something that Great Britain is looking forward to, and something that is achievable,” says Lyne,” referencing his bronze medal finish at the U18 tournament in 2023.
Photo Credit: Trevor Crawley
Naturally, the Bucks will be without Lyne for a little while following the BCHL’s holiday break as he sets his sights on a gold medal finish on the world stage.
It’s safe to say the Bucks will likely miss Lyne’s presence through that time, the skilled Englishman has put up 10 points in his first 19 BCHL regular season games and has quickly become one of Bucks coach Ryan Donald’s most dependable forwards.
The Cranbrook Bucks wish Sam all the best at the World Junior Hockey Championships, it’s a tremendous distinction which not many young players get to experience.
Photo Credit: Martin Ross
Congratulations, Sam! Mind the gap!
