Led by head coach Paul McFarland, Canada’s national men’s summer under-18 ice hockey team will be looking for its ninth-consecutive gold medal.

The competition in Breclav, Czech Republic, and Bratislava, Slovakia, runs from August 8 until August 13 and has been won by Canada 20 times in the tournament’s 25-year history.

“The Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup is a unique event for us because it’s one of the few opportunities we have to assemble the very best players in the country; the August timing doesn’t conflict with other league priorities, so it really sets up to be a best-on-best event and a great display of on-ice skill and talent,” said Ryan Jankowski, Hockey Canada’s director of player personnel.

“Canadians can expect good speed, size, and talent from this year’s national men’s summer under-18 team.

"It is a well-balanced group of players and our team of staff are excited and ready to represent Canada with pride once again."

What began as a 44-strong selection camp was shortened by Jankowski, McFarland and members of the management group of Hockey Canada’s Programme of Excellence, following five days of ice sessions which included three games.

Canada will play in Group B with Russia, Slovakia, and Sweden.

Earlier this week, Canada's new ice hockey strip was unveiled in Toronto as the country prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary next year.

"From the bottom white stripe to the embedded maple leaves, the jersey is emblematic of that intrinsic link between the game and the 35 million Canadians who carry the maple leaf in their hearts," said Tom Renney, President and chief executive officer of Hockey Canada.

The new jersey will make its debut on the ice this week as a host of Canada's best under-20 players take part in trial matches against teams from Finland, Sweden and the United States.

It will then be used by the men’s summer under-18 team.

The Canada team can be viewed here.