Sbisa to Represent Switzerland a

Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes are very proud to announce that rookie defenseman Luca Sbisa (LOU-kaa Ss-BEE-zah) has been selected to play for Switzerland at the upcoming 2008 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships in the Czech Republic. Sbisa, a ‘90 prospect, is in his draft year and has adjusted very quickly to the North American game. He has already tallied 23 points (3G, 20A) in 34 games, placing him in a tie for seventh in the WHL rookie scoring race.
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rA strong d-man with good size for his age and excellent defensive awareness, Sbisa is seen as a promising prospect for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. The 6’1, 176 pound native of Switzerland played last season with Zug of the Swiss Jr. Elite League and was selected with Lethbridge’s second pick, 79th overall, in the second round of the 2007 CHL Import Draft. This is Sbisa’s first appearance at the U-20 World Junior Championships, but will not be his first tournament with the Swiss National program. Sbisa has played many tournaments at the U-18 level including last year’s Mac’s Cup Tournament in Calgary, AB.
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rSbisa will be one of two Lethbridge Hurricanes to represent their country in the Czech Republic, as Hurricanes forward Zach Boychuk was named to Team Canada just last week.
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rThe first round of the 2008 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships begins on Boxing Day, December 26th in the Czech Republic.