Luka Burzan and Jett Woo are coming back to the Moose Jaw Warriors with more confidence in their games after a successful showing with Hockey Canada at the 2016 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

Both Warriors hit the ice in medal games to wrap up the tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, ON on Saturday with Burzan and Canada Black settling for silver with a 2-1 loss to Sweden, while Woo and Canada White fell 6-1 to Russia in the bronze medal game.

“We didn’t get the gold, which is heartbreaking, but I’m proud of the group of guys that we had, everyone bought in and played their roles and we just came up short,” said Burzan. “Second in the world still feels pretty good, so I’m happy.”

This is the second time that Burzan has represented Canada and had to settle for silver after losing in the gold medal game at the 2016 Youth Olympics.

He said that makes him even more hungry to make the Under-18 team in the future and get that monkey off his back.

“It’s pretty special going to the final twice and that experience is going to help me at future international tournaments,” said Burzan.

The Surrey, BC product finished with two goals in six games during the tournament and he said he’s coming away really proud of how he played at both ends of the ice.

“I was happy with my defensive play and I just wanted to help the team as much as I can, bought in and I’m happy with my play,” he said.

“It’s definitely going to help a lot coming back to Moose Jaw, I learned a lot from that tournament.”

Warriors defenceman Jett Woo battles for a puck during action at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge last week. (Photo: Matthew Murnaghan / Hockey Canada Images)

Woo put together a stellar tournament for Canada White as he posted one goal and four points in six games on his way to being named to the tournament all-star team.

“It was a lot of fun,” he said. “Obviously it wasn’t the end that we wanted, but everyone on our team has something to walk away with, whether it’s what to do off the ice or just those little things that Team Canada brought to the tournament.”

Woo wore the ‘C’ for Canada White during the tournament and he said it was an honour to be selected as the team’s captain.

“It was a blessing, knowing that the coaches and the team trusted me to lead the team felt good, but there was 21 players, including the goalies, that could have been wearing that letter,” he said.

“I tried to bring my game there and implementing that into the game that they wanted me to play and I felt like I played well.”

Now back with the Warriors for the stretch run before the Christmas break, Woo said he’s ready to bring the Under-17 experience to his game with Moose Jaw.

“The biggest thing I learned was all the stuff off the ice is just as important as on the ice, staying hydrated and the cool downs and warm ups, so that’s going to help me moving forward,” he said.

Woo and Burzan will be back in the lineup with the Warriors on Thursday when they host the East Division-leading Regina Pats at Mosaic Place.