Michael Rowbottom of Hesketh and Ryan Lawrence of Munson were selected by a Top Guns AAA scout, out of Calgary, to play with the ‘97 Canada Cowboys at the Czech Challenge Cup in Europe.
After an intensive training camp in Canmore, the boys and their families toured Germany, Austria, Northern Italy and Czech Republic for two weeks by bus with team players from Alberta and Saskatchewan. They left July 29 and returned August 12.
“I met quite a few people and Italy was my favourite part. All the old building’s were really neat,” said Michael Rowbottom.
Both were playing for the Boston Pizza/Western Chev Bantam Raptors when they were hand picked by a Top Gun representative during a game in Hussar.
During their european tour, the boys played exhibition games in Austria and Italy before participating in the tournament in Prague, Czech Republic.
“Ryan and Michael both play defense and held their own against some top European players,” said Lenore Cherniwchan, Michael’s mother.
During the tournament, they played teams from Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia and the United States.
Playing fast-paced hockey, Cherniwchan said it was exciting for the families to watch the boys hit the ice and play against some of the top European teams.
“The players from over there were very good at making passes and could deke very well,” said Rowbottom.
Both boys will be playing Midget this upcoming season with Minor Hockey.
