#CHLvsRUS: GROPP EAGER TO REPRESENT TEAM WHL IN KAMLOOPS
The 2015 CHL Canada Russia Series is set to begin this week with the first game taking place at Prospera Place in Kelowna, BC on Monday, November 9th. But it’s the second game of the series at the Sandman Centre in Kamloops on Tuesday night that has Seattle Thunderbirds forward Ryan Gropp anxious.
Another chapter of the hockey rivalry between Canada and Russia will get underway this week when the puck drops in Kelowna and Kamloops. Fans will get the chance to see some of the best talent both the Western Hockey League and Russia have to offer. For the players, Hockey Canada management will be evaluating their performance as the World Junior Championship is just around the corner.
For Ryan Gropp, a 19-year-old native of Kamloops, BC, it marks a wonderful opportunity to have his hometown fans root for him and Team WHL.
“It means a lot to me to be able to play in front of my hometown,” said the Thunderbirds forward. “I’m going to have a lot of friends and family in attendance so that’s extra motivation for me to show them the type of player I’ve become. It’s going to be a real exciting time and an exciting game!”
Gropp spent a lot of his time developing in the Kamloops Minor Hockey system while growing up before he became a WHL star.
“I played all of my minor hockey in Kamloops and they got a really good minor hockey program there. It was a big step for me in my development and I got to play on a lot of really good teams so that certainly helped. Winning hockey tournaments really allowed me to grow and help me become the player I am today.”
While growing up in Kamloops, Gropp spoke about attending and supporting Kamloops Blazers games.
“I watched them all the time,” said Gropp. “My parents always had season tickets and we would go to a game once a week. I got to see those guys play and envisioned myself playing in the WHL one day.”
A Team WHL member that Gropp is looking forward to playing with is good friend and fellow Kamloops native Joe Hicketts from the Victoria Royals.
“Joe and I are really good friends and it’s exciting to be able to play alongside him in this event. For both of us to play together in our hometown will be special for us and our families.”
Gropp has achieved some notable hockey milestones to date including being a participant on Team Orr in last season’s BMO Top Prospects Game as well as getting drafted by the New York Rangers at the 2015 NHL Draft, so he is no stranger to the spotlight. However, Gropp never thought that he would get to enjoy these experiences.
“No, not really.” Said Gropp when asked if he envisioned himself developing this far in his hockey career. “Honestly, when I was younger I knew that I had to work hard and I always wanted to be the best player, but never thought this would happen. Now, having a game like this in your hometown and having a chance to play in front of your hometown fans is going to be really cool.”
For Gropp, Tuesday night in Kamloops will certainly be a moment he will truly cherish.
CLICK HERE to get your tickets for the 2015 Canada Russia Series games in Kelowna, BC and Kamloops, BC.
2015 Canada Russia Series Schedule:
Game 1 – Monday, November 9 at Kelowna, BC
Game 2 – Tuesday, November 10 at Kamloops, BC
Game 3 – Thursday, November 12 at Owen Sound, ON
Game 4 – Monday, November 16 at Windsor, ON
Game 5 – Tuesday, November 17 at Rouyn-Noranda, QC
Game 6 – Thursday, November 19 at Halifax, NS
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