Korczak, Foote and Hamaliuk named to Team WHL for 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series
The Western Hockey League, in collaboration with the Canadian Hockey League and Hockey Canada, announced today the roster for Team WHL, which will compete against Team Russia at the 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series on November 13 and 14 in Saskatoon and Prince Albert, Sask.
The Kelowna Rockets will be represented by a trio of players, a league-high. Nolan Foote, Kaedan Korczak and Dillon Hamaliuk have been named to the Team WHL roster, who will face Team Russia in Game 5 of the 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series in Saskatoon on Wednesday, November 13, before continuing on to Prince Albert for Game 6 to conclude the series on Thursday, November 14.
“It’s great that Hamaliuk and Korczak are getting an opportunity alongside Foote, who’s already in the mix for the World Junior team,” said Rockets president and general manager Bruce Hamilton. “I think that it’s a great for those two guys, that they’ve been recognized this early in the year. It’s a chance for them to open some eyes and possibly create an opportunity for them.”
Foote, who was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning with the No. 27 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, competed for Team WHL last year at the 2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series. In eight games this season Foote has 10 points (four goals, six assists).
He lit up the World Junior Summer Showcase with Canada in late July/early August, leading all Canadian players in points with six (two goals, four assists) in three games.
THAT CELLY!
???? @foote_nolan (2)
???? @Topping11
???? Pavel Novak pic.twitter.com/ojzmtfd42X— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) October 12, 2019
The Vegas Golden Knights drafted Korczak 41st overall during the second round of 2019 NHL Entry Draft. This season the defender has two goals and three assists in nine games played.
Sir @Korczak21 sneakin’ on up! pic.twitter.com/UUwZgDQoyx
— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) October 12, 2019
Time waits for no one…unless that person is @SanJoseSharks prospect Dillon Hamaliuk of the @Kelowna_Rockets. He's the OT hero!
#WHLOpeningWeek pic.twitter.com/hoYeluI6n9— The WHL (@TheWHL) September 22, 2019
The San Jose Sharks drafted Hamaliuk in the second round (55th overall) during the second round at the 2019 NHL Draft in Vancouver, British Columbia this past June.
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League will host Games 1 and 2, while the Ontario Hockey League will host Games 3 and 4. For the first time since 2013, the event will close with two games in the WHL.
The 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series will represent the event’s return to both Saskatoon and Prince Albert. In 2005 and 2014, the event made an appearance in Saskatoon, while Prince Albert played host in 2008.
The six-game CIBC Canada Russia Series features regional league teams of Canadian National Junior Team candidates competing against the Russian National Junior Team. Team CHL has won 12 times in event history, with Russia emerging victorious on four occasions.
The 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series is supported by title sponsor CIBC, the Official Bank of the CHL, along with associate sponsors Kia Canada, Cooper Tires, and Kubota Canada. All games will be broadcast nationally on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.
Team WHL Roster:
Forwards
| Player Name | Hometown | DOB | WHL Club | NHL Draft |
| Beckman, Adam | Saskatoon, Sask. | 2001-05-10 | Spokane Chiefs | MIN 2019 (3-75) |
| Burzan, Luka | Surrey, B.C. | 2000-01-07 | Brandon Wheat Kings | COL 2019 (6-171) |
| Chyzowski, Ryan | Kamloops, B.C. | 2000-05-14 | Medicine Hat Tigers | Eligible 2020 |
| Cozens, Dylan | Whitehorse, Yukon | 2001-02-09 | Lethbridge Hurricanes | BUF 2019 (1-7) |
| Dach, Kirby | Fort Saskatchewan, Alta. | 2001-01-21 | Saskatoon Blades | CHI 2019 (1-3) |
| Focht, Carson | Regina, Sask. | 2000-02-04 | Calgary Hitmen | VAN 2019 (5-133) |
| Fonstad, Cole | Estevan, Sask. | 2000-04-24 | Everett Silvertips | MTL 2018 (5-128) |
| Foote, Nolan | Engelwood, Colo. | 2000-11-29 | Kelowna Rockets | TBL 2019 (1-27) |
| Hamaliuk, Dillon | Leduc, Alta. | 2000-10-30 | Kelowna Rockets | SJS 2019 (2-55) |
| Krebs, Peyton | Okotoks, Alta. | 2001-01-26 | Winnipeg ICE | VGK 2019 (1-17) |
| Tracey, Brayden | Calgary, Alta. | 2001-05-28 | Moose Jaw Warriors | ANA 2019 (1-29) |
| Zary, Connor | Saskatoon, Sask. | 2001-09-25 | Kamloops Blazers | Eligible 2020 |
Defenceman
| Player Name | Hometown | DOB | WHL Club | NHL Draft |
| Addison, Calen | Brandon, Man. | 2000-04-11 | Lethbridge Hurricanes | PIT 2018 (2-53) |
| Byram, Bowen | Cranbrook, B.C. | 2001-06-13 | Vancouver Giants | COL 2019 (1-4) |
| Korczak, Kaedan | Yorkton, Sask. | 2001-01-29 | Kelowna Rockets | VGK 2019 (2-41) |
| Schneider, Braden | Prince Albert, Sask. | 2001-09-20 | Brandon Wheat Kings | Eligible 2020 |
| Smith, Ty | Lloydminster, Alta. | 2000-03-24 | Spokane Chiefs | NJD 2018 (1-17) |
| Woo, Jett | Winnipeg, Man. | 2000-07-27 | Calgary Hitmen | VAN 2018 (2-37) |
Goaltenders
| Player Name | Hometown | DOB | WHL Club | NHL Draft |
| Hofer, Joel | Winnipeg, Man. | 2000-07-30 | Portland Winterhawks | STL 2018 (4-107) |
| Maier, Nolan | Yorkton, Sask. | 2001-01-10 | Saskatoon Blades | Eligible 2020 |
You can see Foote, Korczak and Hamaliuk battle the Swift Current Broncos tonight. Purchase the Hat-Trick Wednesday deal from Select Your Tickets before 2:00 pm on gameday, you’ll get a pop, a hotdog and your ticket for $19.99 plus fees. Tickets are on sale at selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-505
