Photo: Contributed

Brothers Ruck of Osoyoos, left and right, and Mathis Preston of Penticton, center, celebrate their under-17 gold medal.

The Okanagan Hockey Academy in Penticton is thrilled with its alumni’s gold medals at the recent 2024 U17 World Challenge in Ontario.

This Saturday in Sarnia, Ontario, three OHA graduates helped Team Canada White triumph over Team Canada Red — the names given to the two Canadian teams that qualified for the final — in a 3- 1.

Mathis Preston and twin brothers Liam and Markus Ruck were members of the winning team. The three 16-year-olds have been best friends since they were five.

Preston was born and raised in Penticton and the twins grew up in Osoyoos. All played in their local hockey league and later trained with the OHA.

Earlier this year, the three represented Canada at the Winter Youth Olympics in South Korea.

They didn’t bring home a medal at that time, which only made them even more hungry for gold.

At the World Challenge this weekend, they beat teams from around the world to take first place.

“It’s a surreal feeling to be done with (the Ruck brothers),” said Preston, the Spokane Chiefs rookie who scored the championship-winning goal.

“I will never forget that. They’re my best friends, so I’m super happy for them. They played unreal.

All three were first-round picks in the 2023 WHL Draft.

“The Okanagan Hockey Academy Penticton congratulates Mathis Preston, Liam Ruck and Markus Ruck on their tremendous achievement,” reads an OHA press release.

“Their dedication, talent and friendship are an inspiration to our community, and we look forward to seeing their continued success.”