After going through numerous tryouts and rigorous workouts over the past two years, Franklin Regional fourth grader Mason Webb earned a big honor.
He was chosen to represent Team Pennsylvania in the prestigious Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament in July.
Webb, 10, plays center for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Gold 3A 10U team. He was among 17 players chosen for the team.
The tournament will be held in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada from July 1-7. It features some of the elite youth players from across North America.
“I’m very excited,” Webb said. “I always wanted to travel. The tryouts and workouts were difficult, but worth it.”
Webb has been playing hockey for the past six years. His favorite player is the New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime honor,” Mason’s mom, Alexandra, said. “He’s really excited. A lot of NHL players have played in this tournament and numerous NHL scouts attend.”
Some of those NHL players who have participated include Cole Caufield, Jack Hughes, Auston Matthews, Steven Stamkos, Mark Stone and Blake Wheeler. Recent first-round draft picks Connor Bedard, Wil Smith and Tom Willander all played in the 2015 tournament.
Team Pennsylvania includes players from six surrounding states (Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and parts of New Jersey).
The tournament brings together 14 elite teams from both the United States and Canada. The tournament serves as a platform for young talented hockey players to showcase their skills.
Webb’s dedication to improving his skills and his love of the sport has paid off.
“The strongest part of my game is probably my shot,” Webb said. “I shoot the puck well. I have to continue working on my skating.”
Webb said his goal is to play in the NHL someday.
Team Pennsylvania is entered in three practice tournaments in Cranberry, Chicago and Toronto before heading to Edmonton.
Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.