Guskov, Malik and Pucek competing in World Junior A Challenge

Three OHL players are currently competing at the 2018 World Junior A Challenge in Bonnyville, Alta.

Draft eligible London Knights forward Matvey Guskov of Russia along with Sudbury Wolves defenceman Zack Malik and Soo Greyhounds winger Roman Pucek, both of the Czech Republic hit the ice in the five-team tournament that started on Sunday.

Guskov has appeared in 26 games with the Knights after being the 42nd overall pick of the 2018 CHL Import Draft, recording 18 points (5-13–18) in the process. The 17-year-old from Nizhnekamsk, Russia was a ‘B’ rated skater on NHL Central Scouting’s November ‘Players to Watch’ list.

The son of former NHL blueliner Marek Malik, Sudbury Wolves rearguard Zack Malik missed the early portion of the season to injury and has two points (1-1–2) through his first seven games in 2018-19. The 18-year-old from Ostrava, Czech Rep. had 12 assists over 32 games with the Wolves last season.

Pucek attended training camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs this past September and has five points (2-3–5) through 22 games in his first season with the Soo Greyhounds. The 18-year-old from Vsetin, Czech Rep. was the 58th overall pick of the 2018 CHL Import Draft.

Canada East, Canada West, the United States, the Czech Republic and Russia are all vying for supremacy in a tournament that has seen Canada West capture two of the last three championships.

For coverage of the 2019 World Junior A Challenge, visit hockeycanada.ca.