SEATTLE THUNDERBIRDS: Gropp, Barzal Join Canada’s Under-18’s

KENT, April 12, 2014 – Seattle Thunderbirds general manager Russ Farwell today announced left wing Ryan Gropp and center Mathew Barzal will play for Team Canada at the 2014 Under-18 World Championship being held April 17-27 in Lapeenranta and Imatra, Finland.

Gropp just finished his rookie season with the T-Bird and had 42 points on 18 goals and 24 assists. He had one goal and three assists in nine playoff games.

Gropp, a 17-year-old from Kamloops, British Columbia, was the T-Birds first round selection, sixth overall, in the 2011 Bantam Draft.

Barzal just finished his rookie season with the T-Bird and had 54 points on 14 goals and 40 assists. He had one goal and five assists in nine playoff games.

Barzal, a 16-year-old from Coquitlam, British Columbia, was the T-Birds first round selection and first overall in the 2012 Bantam Draft.

Canada is the defending champion at the world championship, having won its third gold medal last year in Sochi, Russia. Canada will play a pre-tournament game April 14 against Denmark. Canada opens the tournament April 17 against Sweden.