Blazers, Rockets and former Vees representing at World Juniors

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – When watching the World Juniors later this month, there may be some recognizable names on the ice.

Players from both the Kelowna Rockets and Kamloops Blazers have named to some of the World Junior Hockey Tournament rosters, including Team Canada.

Team Canada has picked up a Blazer and a Rocket. Kamloops goalie Connor Ingram has been selected as one of two netminders for Canada's team while Rockets centre Dillon Dubé has made the roster as well, according to a Hockey Canada media release.

Two other Rockets have made their national teams as well, according to a team media release. Winger Calvin Thurkauf has been named to team Switzerland while Tomas Soustal will be playing centre for the Czech Republic. The Blazers’ Ondrej Vala is also listed on the Czech Republic’s 22-man roster.

Two more familiar names will be on Team Canada. Forward Tyler Jost is now playing with the University of North Dakota, but had a stint with the Penticton Vees. He also spent time growing up in Kelowna. Another Vees alum joins Jost on Team Canada, defenceman Dante Fabbro.

Not all teams participating in the tournament have named their final rosters yet, including the United States.

Latvia is still narrowing their team down, but currently the Blazers’ Rudolfs Balcers is on the extended list, according the tournament's website.

The 10 team tournament is being played in Montreal and Toronto this year, with the opening games on Dec. 26.

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