The CJHL in partnership with Hockey Canada announced today the individuals who will perform the roles of Trainer and Equipment Manager for the two respective Team Canada squads which will participate at the 2008 World Junior A Challenge.
Team Canada East has appointed Darren Allan from the Calgary Royals of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), as team Equipment Manager; and Bob Baird of the Oakville Blades (OPJHL) as the team Therapist. Both Darren Allan and Bob Baird held the same positions with Team Canada East at the 2007 World Junior A Challenge.
“We are very delighted to appoint Darren and Bob to their respective positions for the second consecutive season,” declared the General Manager for Team Canada East, Marty Abrams. “They did a great job with Team Canada East players and coaches in the World Junior A Challenge last year. We are confident that they will bring the same determination to succeed again this November.”
Team Canada West also announced today that they have also appointed Ken Miske, Norman Zunti, and Brent Sawchuk as Co-Therapists / Equipment Managers, all from the Camrose Kodiaks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL).
“We are very pleased that all three of the gentlemen who serve as the team Therapists and Equipment Managers for the Camrose Kodiaks will lend their trade to this great event,” pronounced the General Manager for Team Canada West, Leonard Strandberg. “It was a natural fit to have these gentlemen involved in the program. With the event being held right in their home town of Camrose and with their knowledge of the facility and with the community, it was a simple decision. The players and coaching staff of Team Canada West will benefit significantly from the hard work and knowledge of these three individuals.”
The announcement of the team Therapists and Equipment Managers rounds out the complete hockey operation staffs for both Team Canada teams that participate in the World Junior A Challenge.
The 2008 World Junior A Challenge will take place from November 1st to 9th in Camrose, AB. Canada will look to continue its tremendous success at the event, as Team Canada East played Team Canada West in the championship finals of the 2006 and 2007 World Junior A Challenge events, winning silver and gold medals respectively in back-to-back years.
The CJHL is an amalgamation of ten Junior A hockey leagues from across Canada. More information on the CJHL can be found by clicking on the league website, www.cjahl.com.
