Thursday, November 15, 2012 - Submitted by Fraser Rodgers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, November 15, 2012 RYAN GROPP NAMED TO TEAM PACIFIC PENTICTON, BC–The Penticton Vees Hockey Club is pleased to announce forward Ryan Gropp (96) has been named to Team Pacific for the 2013 World Junior Under-17 Challenge. The U-17 Challenge runs December 29th to January 5th in Victoriaville / Drummondville, Quebec.
Gropp is the only player from the BCHL to be named to the roster and just one of three from the junior ‘A’ level. Team Pacific roster consists of 11 players from BC and 11 players from Alberta that will compete against teams compromised of the top players in the world born in 1996 or later. The U-17 Challenge is a 10 team tournament; five teams from Canada-Quebec, Ontario, Pacific (Alberta / BC), Atlantic and West and five international teams.
Gropp is off to an impressive start to his rookie campaign, sitting sixth in team scoring with five goals and 16 points in 21 games. The Kamloops product has been playing some of his best hockey of late, with three goals and five points in his last three games.
Vees Head Coach & GM Fred Harbinson knows what an opportunity it is for the 16-year old, “It’s a great accomplishment for Ryan to be named to Team Pacific and being able to wear the Hockey Canada jersey on the international stage. We are thrilled for Ryan and the opportunity he has of playing with some of the best players his age in the world.”
Team Pacific will be competing in Group A at the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge with Team West, Sweden, Finland and Russia. They play an exhibition game on December 28th versus the United States, before opening the tournament on December 29th against defending gold medalist Russia.
CONTACT: FRASER RODGERS Director of Broadcasting & Media Relations Penticton Vees Hockey Club FraserRodgers@gmail.com / (250) 809-1390
