There's been no shortage of Okanagan mentions this week on TSN, and Penticton's Mathis Preston has a lot to do with it.
Preston, a 17-year-old forward for the WHL's Spokane Chiefs, has been joined by Osoyoos twins Liam and Markus Ruck in leading Canada to a 3-0 start at the 2025 Hilinka Gretzky Cup.
Widely viewed as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NHL draft, Preston had three goals and four points in Canada's 9-1 rout of Switzerland on Aug. 12 before adding an assist one day later in a 5-0 drumming of Czechia.
The Penticton Minor Hockey Association graduate also notched a helper on Aug. 11, during his country's 5-3 win over Finland in the U18 tournament's opening game.
Preston's fast start to the best-on-best junior hockey showcase has been punctuated by standout performances from the aforementioned Ruck twins.
Friends in the South Okanagan since early childhood, the trio has combined for 12 points in three games. While Liam has two goals, both from Wednesday against Czechia, Markus has added three assists.
The three forwards will lead Canada into a Friday afternoon (Aug. 15) semi-finals showdown with the United States in Brno, Czechia.
All of Canada's and the United States' games have been broadcast this week on TSN, with the tournament's gold and bronze medal games slated for Saturday, Aug. 16.
Preston amassed 45 points in 54 games with Spokane in 2024-25 after helping Canada White win gold last November at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge.
The 5'11", 168-pound forward, also an Okanagan Hockey Academy graduate, added 16 points in 20 playoff contests with the Chiefs this past spring.
