A second chance well worth the wait.
Jordan Baxter officially made Canada's national under-18 women's roster on Monday (May 30) and will soon wear the maple leaf for the first time in her young career.
The Coquitlam product is selected to play at the 2022 U18 women's world championship, which was rescheduled after the then state of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the event's temporary cancellation.
It'll pin the best teen athletes in the world against each other for the IIHF trophy that's collected dust the last two years.
This also reaffirms Baxter's initial selection to the team, which was announced five days after the tournament was originally scheduled to end in Sweden.
The 17-year-old forward is now one of 23 players that'll suit up in Wisconsin — in Madison and Middleton — from June 6 to 13 for a chance to win Canada's first gold medal in three years.
Six of her teammates are from B.C., including fellow Delta Hockey Academy teammates Tova Henderson (defence) and Hailey MacLeod (goaltender).
The three took part in a five-day try-out camp in Calgary conducted by Hockey Canada coaches and scouts.
"This is an exciting time for this group of dedicated athletes, who have patiently waited for a chance to compete on the international stage." said Gina Kingsbury, director of hockey operations with Hockey Canada, in a news release.
"Our athletes and coaching staff are eager to travel to Wisconsin and represent Canada while having the opportunity to compete for gold at the world championship."
Baxter's winning résumé and gifted scoring abilities may likely be called upon at the under-18 championships.
It includes a gold medal from the 2021 Western Regional Women's U18 Championships.
During that five-game stretch, she tallied four goals — including two in the 3-2 (OT) finals' victory over Alberta — and seven points, the most among her B.C. teammates and third-highest of all participating players.
As well, Baxter helped lead Delta Hockey Academy's under-18 female prep squad to the Canadian School Sport Hockey League (CSSHL) championship game following a 10-point performance in five playoff matches.
However, the Wild lost to Kelowna's RINK Hockey Academy, 3-2.
Baxter compiled 41 points in 27 games, including 27 goals, during the 2021-22 regular season.
She's since committed to playing NCAA women's Div. I hockey in the fall with Ohio State University, joining Port Moody product and former Greater Vancouver Comets' teammate Jenna Buglioni.
Baxter's and Canada's quest for gold at the IIHF U18 women's world championship is as follows (Pacific time):
- June 6 @ 2 p.m. vs. Finland
- June 7 @ 2 p.m. vs. Sweden
- June 9 @ 6 p.m. vs. United States
The playoff round will be determined at the end of the preliminary stage.
