A defenceman and a staff member will represent the Saskatoon Blades at the upcoming World U-18 Hockey Championship in Slovakia.
Mark Rubinchik, an 18-year-old blueliner, will represent Russia. Blades equipment manager Chad Scharff will take on that role for Team Canada.
Rubinchik tallied 23 assists in 63 games for the Blades in his rookie WHL season. He was also an alternate captain for Russia at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament last summer.
“This will be a great experience for Mark as he’ll have a chance to showcase himself for NHL scouts and GM’s,” Blades GM Colin Priestner said.
“He improved a ton over the year and I’d be surprised if he didn’t have a great showing for Russia, especially given his experience at the Ivan Hlinka tournament.”
Scharff is no stranger to working with Hockey Canada, serving as equipment manager for Canada at the world U-17’s in November, winning a silver medal.
“I just try to enjoy every opportunity and be the best I can be, I’ve always tried to learn from people around me and nothing changes at this tournament,” Scharff said.
Canada starts the preliminary round of the tournament on April 13 against Switzerland. Team Russia opens against Sweden later that day.