International hockey returns to Sudbury as the Sudbury Wolves have  announced the ADT Canada/Russia Challenge will be coming to Sudbury on Monday, Nov. 26.
Sudbury will host some of the top hockey players in the OHL and the elite junior players from Russia.  Last year's Team Ontario featured Wolves' captain Marc Staal, who assisted in leading the squad to two victories over the Russian National team. Last year's Russian team including stars such as Ivan Vishnevskij, Victor Tikhonov, Dmitry Zyuzin and Igor Zubov.
This contest is believed to be the first international junior hockey game to be played in Sudbury in 30 years.  The game will feature many Ontario players that will be invited to earn a spot on Team Canada's Junior team.
"We are extremely proud to host this international event in Sudbury" states Wolves' Governor Blaine Smith in a press release. "Wolves' owner Mark Burgess suggested that renovations to the Sudbury Arena would lead to attracting new events to the Sudbury Arena and here we are already announcing this international event."
Wolves' head coach and GM Mike Foligno will join Canada's National Junior Team and Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds' head coach Craig Hartsburg behind Team Ontario's bench.   The City of Greater Sudbury and the Sudbury Arena will be showcased to the rest of Canada as the game will be broadcast nationally on Rogers Sportsnet.
"We look forward to putting on a great show for the hockey fans of Sudbury and the rest of Canada," said Smith.  "People will be pleasantly surprised when they see the modifications that the Burgess Family are making to the Sudbury Arena and Canada will see how well our fans embrace the game of hockey here in Sudbury.   We look forward to working with Ray Mensour and his staff at the Sudbury arena in attracting more events like this to Greater Sudbury in the future."
The international match is a treat for local fans and a payback for their loyal passion for junior hockey.
"The OHL is excited to have the opportunity to bring this
prestigious event to Sudbury," said CHL President and OHL
Commissioner David Branch. "We look forward to showcasing some
of the best players in our league to our great fans at the
Sudbury Community Centre."
The series is vital to young players looking to make their mark
on the national stage.
"The Canadian Hockey League is excited to host this series between two prestigious hockey countries," said CHL President David Branch.  The participating CHL players recognize the ADT Canada/Russia Challenge is the final step in the evaluation process for our National Junior Team and will be anxious for the opportunity to compete for a spot on the roster.  With the Summer Evaluation Camp not taking place this season, the ADT Canada/Russia Challenge will have more importance than ever before.  This event also provides a unique opportunity for our fans to watch world class junior players compete at a high level."
Tickets for the game will go on sale at the Sudbury Arena ticket office on Monday, October 1.   Fans can call the arena ticket office at 671-3000 or visit the city website at: www.greatersudbury.ca   to order tickets on-line beginning October 1.
This is the schedule for the entire series as it moves
coast-to-coast playing two games in each Major Junior hockey
league in the country.
 
Game 1 - Monday Nov. 19 at Chicoutimi, QC
Game 2 - Wednesday Nov. 21 at Gatineau, QC
Game 3 - Thursday Nov. 22 at Kitchener, ON
Game 4 - Monday Nov. 26 at Sudbury, ON
Game 5 - Wednesday Nov. 28 at Cranbrook, BC
Game 6 - Thursday Nov. 29 at Medicine Hat, AB
For More Information: http://www.chl.ca/CHLRussiaChallenge
