Davis heading to Lake Placid for World University Games

Over six years after donning the maple leaf of Team Canada, Brett Davis will get a chance to do it again, as the Oakbank forward will represent his country once more at the Winter World University Games in Lake Placid later this month.

Davis, who played at the world U17 challenge in 2016 and was drafted by the Dallas Stars, has been excelling in a Manitoba Bisons uniform over the past two seasons, scoring well over a point-per-game for the black and gold over the 29 games he’s played for them. He sits third in the Canada West scoring race this season.

“Anytime you have a chance to represent your country its a huge honour to be able to wear the maple leaf on your chest,” Davis said.

“I’m super fortunate to be able to be selected to that team, and I’m looking to represent my country in a positive way and hopefully bring back a gold medal.

Davis has over 300 games of Western Hockey League experience, and even suited up for the Manitoba Moose for five games in 2021.

“It’s my second year now, so I’ve been a little bit more comfortable with the league and juggling academics and sports,” he said.

“I’ve been trying to stay comfortable and help my team win hockey games any way I can.”

Davis is majoring in physical education.

“I wasn’t too focused on schooling when I was in junior, so it was a little bit of a challenge for me to transition to a university lifestyle,” he said, laughing.

“I think I’ve been doing a pretty good job, and I’ve been enjoying it too.”

The last time the World University Games were held, Canada took home a bronze medal in men’s hockey. The team may have a secret weapon at these games, as three players, Davis included, played for team Canada at the U17 challenge in 2016, and were able to win the whole tournament.

“It’s going to be nice to know them,” Davis said, also noting that fellow Dallas draft pick Liam Hawel will also be playing for Team Canada.

“Anytime you’re going to a new team and you know people, that makes the transition easier and it makes you a little bit more comfortable.”

The team will be coached by University of New Brunswick bench boss Gardiner MacDougall.

The University of Manitoba men’s hockey team is sixth in the Canada West standings, good for a playoff spot in the competitive league.

“We had a little bit of a rocky start to the year, but we’re turning it on lately,” Davis said.

“Hopefully we can make a good push coming into the playoffs this year.”

Bisons head coach Mike Sirant had no shortage of praise for his player.

“(The games) will be an amazing life and hockey development experience for him,” Sirant said in a University of Manitoba news release.

“Brett is an exceptional player who will make a big contribution to Team Canada’s success. Brett is an outstanding representative of Bison Sports and we wish him and Team Canada the best of luck as they go for gold.”

Davis won’t get a chance to scout the competition, as the University of Manitoba men’s team is set to take on Team Ukraine in an exhibition game Jan. 9 at the Canada Life Centre. Davis will already be at Team Canada training camp.

The Winter World University Games begin on Jan. 12, with the men’s hockey finals set for Jan. 22. Games will be broadcasted online at FISU.tv.