WestCan Prime Brings 14U title back to North America for first time since 2019
HELSINKI, Finland — WestCan Prime put on a dominant performance at the 15th annual 14U World Selects Invitational, going undefeated and securing the championship in a thrilling come-from-behind victory against DraftDay. The event, held May 6-10, 2025, featured elite players born in 2011 from around the world and showcased future stars of the game in one of youth hockey’s premier international tournaments.
WestCan Prime finished the tournament with a perfect 8-0-0 record, outscoring opponents by a margin of 45-21. It marked the first time since 2019 that a North American-based team claimed the 14U title, ending a five-year run of European dominance.
Leading the way was forward Kale Nicol, who had a tournament for the record books. Nicol registered 25 points across eight games, making him the top scorer in the event. His point total ranks second all-time in tournament history, just one shy of NHLer Aleksi Saarela, who holds the record with 26 points back in 2011. Nicol recorded at least one point in every game and delivered his signature performance in the championship, where he notched a hat trick to help lift WestCan over DraftDay.
In the final, WestCan fell behind 2-0 in the first period. In the second half of the game, though, Nicol made his presence felt. The team scored four unanswered goals, three from Nicol and a fourth by Jaxson Weisgerber.
WestCan’s tournament success wasn’t just because of Nicol’s offensive explosion. Goaltender Haize Brightnose was a steady force between the pipes all tournament long. Brightnose appeared in six of the team’s eight games, stopping 137 of 148 shots for an impressive .926 save percentage and a 2.00 goals-against average. His calm presence in net and consistent play were instrumental to WestCan’s championship run, especially in high-pressure moments.
The 2025 edition of the 14U WSI brought together some of the most talented players in the 2011 birth year from across Europe, North America and beyond. Hosted in the hockey-rich city of Helsinki, the tournament has long been considered a launchpad for future stars, with many past participants going on to junior, collegiate and professional success.
For WestCan Prime, the title is not only a milestone achievement but a testament to the strength of Canadian youth hockey. The roster was made up predominantly of Canadian players who demonstrated elite skill, chemistry and resilience throughout the tournament.
As the WSI continues to grow in prestige and visibility, performances like those of Nicol, Brightnose, and the entire WestCan roster offer a glimpse into the future of the sport. With international competition, elite-level coaching and high stakes, the tournament remains one of the premier proving grounds for hockey’s next generation.