TEAM WHL TAKES ON RUSSIA TONIGHT

Kamloops, B.C. – The 2010 Subway Super Series enters its final leg on Wednesday night as the Russians face off against Team WHL for Game 5 of the series in Kamloops, B.C.

Wednesday night’s contest between Team WHL and Russia can be seen on Rogers Sportsnet.

So far, the Russians are 2-1-1 versus the CHL through four games of the six-game series, having defeated Team QMJHL twice before dropping a pair of decisions – one in a shootout – to Team OHL.  Anything less than two victories for Team WHL would give the Russians the series win for the first time in the eight-year history of the event.

Team WHL won both games versus Russia at last year’s event, posting a 2-1 win in Victoria, B.C., and a 4-2 win in Kelowna, B.C., and boasts a 13-1 all-time record versus the Russians.

This year’s edition of Team WHL boasts plenty of star power.  Wednesday night’s game in Kamloops features Spokane Chiefs defenseman Jared Cowen, a member of the 2010 Canadian national junior team, who will suit up for Team WHL for a third straight year.  Red Deer Rebels forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the WHL’s top-rated NHL draft-eligible skater, will play for Team WHL as well.

Also suiting up for Wednesday’s game is a trio of Kamloops Blazers, with forwards Brendan Ranford – the WHL’s leading goal-scorer – and Chase Schaber, and rearguard Austin Madaisky getting the call.

The Russians have been led by Maxim Kitsyn and Nikita Dvurechensky, who have both put up two goals and three points through the first four games of the series.  Goaltenders Emil Garipov and Dmitry Shikin have performed well, each earning a victory versus Team QMJHL.

Wednesday’s meeting is the first of two contests between Team WHL and Russia to close out the 2010 SUBWAY Super Series.  Team WHL will face Russia for Game 6 of the series on Thursday night in Prince George, B.C.

For more on the 2010 SUBWAY Super Series, visit www.subwaysuperseries.com

2010 Subway Super Series Schedule
Series Tied 2-2
Game 1 – Monday November 8 at Saint John, NB – Team Russia 5, Team QMJHL 4
Game 2 – Wednesday November 10 at Drummondville, QC – Team Russia, 4, Team QMJHL 3
Game 3 – Thursday November 11 at London, ON – Team OHL 4, Team Russia 0
Game 4 – Monday November 15 at Sudbury, ON – Team OHL 2, Team Russia 1 (SO)
Game 5 – Wednesday November 17 at Kamloops, BC
Game 6 – Thursday November 18 at Prince George, BC