Rick Swan named to AJHL All-Stars staff for world tournament held in Russia

Bonnyville Pontiacs head coach and general manager Rick Swan is heading to Russia later this summer to help coach the AJHL all-star team competing in the 2019 Junior Club World Cup in Sochi.

The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) and Hockey Canada selected the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) to represent the league, which will feature returning AJHL players in the eight-team international tournament from August 23-31.

Swan is joined by Camrose Kodiaks general manager and head coach Boris Rybalka as well as Canmore Eagles Athletic Therapist Megan Hansen and Athletic Therapist Josh Armstrong of the Sherwood Park Crusaders.

Teams from Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland and USA are vying for the 2019 trophy.

North America will delegate two teams to the tournament for the first time since 2014.

The only Canadian team to win the tournament in its nine-year history is the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in 2013.

“For the first time in ten years Russia will have just one representative at Junior Club World Cup,” said Junior Hockey League managing director Alexei Morozov.

“It will give our players the maximum opportunity to compete against international junior hockey programs. We are very happy that we managed to attract as many as two teams from North America. They will consist of players from different teams, which is great way to add excitement to the games.

“Sochi has everything so that the players could show their best hockey. Given the participants, and the number of national champions and medalist, we expect the upcoming Junior Club World Cup to be one of the most exciting and interesting in history.”

Players and team staff members will travel to Moscow for a pre-tournament camp from August 16th – 22nd prior to travelling to Sochi for the tournament.  The AJHL-All Star roster will be announced in June.

“I am sure that the AJHL will ice a very competitive team, with a very strong coaching and support group having already been selected to work, with the group. We are grateful to Hockey Canada, for all their support to date, with this initiative.” stated CJHL President Brent Ladds.”

“Canada is synonymous with hockey in the eyes of the Russian community, and their hospitality and care to detail on behalf of our team, at last year’s event was greatly appreciated!”