Erie Otters forward Malcolm Spence will join Team Canada before he returns to Erie for his second season in the OHL. Spence was one of 24 players selected to play for Canada's U18 Team in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup which begins on the final day of July.

I'm honored to be representing Canada for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup,” said Spence. “I think I can speak for the players that have been selected that we will do our part to get gold.”

The Mississauga, Ontario native played in 64 games during his rookie campaign. He totaled 16 goals and 42 points with the Otters. The former number two overall pick by the Otters in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection is no stranger to international play. He played for Team Canada Black during the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

"As an organization, we are so excited and proud of Malcolm. This is the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance," said Erie Otters general manager Dave Brown. "Playing for Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky is a great learning experience, and it will no doubt elevate his game upon returning to Erie. This is one of the most difficult teams to make, and Malcolm has no doubt earned this honor." 

Spence and Team Canada will open play at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup with a meeting against Finland at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 31. They will also face Slovakia and Switzerland in the preliminary round. The tournament will close with the medal games on Saturday, August 5. Team Canada will look to defend its gold medal captured last year.