Pysyk attended the Team Canada Development Camp this August - it was the second time Pysyk has been invited to try out for the National U20 Squad and is still looking to solidify a spot on Team Canada this Christmas. The second year Oil Kings Captain played his 200th WHL career game last night in Edmonton and tallied a first star performance with 3 assists to help the Oil Kings to a 4-1 win over Everett. Pysyk, an Edmonton area local remains the face of the modern era franchise - He was the first WHL Bantam draft pick (3rd overall in 2007) and in 2010 became the modern franchise's first ever NHL 1st round draft pick (selected 23rd overall by the Buffalo Sabres). This last season he was awarded the Greg Tomalty MVP honour for the second straight season and the Oil Kings Top D-man honor for the third straight season.
Joining Pysyk on Team WHL will be fellow 2010 draft pick, Kevin Sundher. The six-foot center will not get to play in the same game as Pysyk, instead suiting up for the November 16th tilt in Regina.
Sundher, a 6’0”, 177-pound product of Surrey, BC, is ranked third in the WHL with 25 points (5G-20A) in 15 regular season games. Sundher, the seventh overall pick by the Chilliwack Bruins in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft, leads the WHL with 20 assists. In the last six Royals’ games, Sundher has produced two goals and eight assists for 10 points, which includes a four-point game against the Kelowna Rockets on October 15. In 230 regular season WHL games, Sundher has recorded 73 goals and 129 assists for 202 points.
“The Royals’ organization is extremely proud of Kevin and what he has accomplished this season,” said Royals’ General Manager and Head Coach Marc Habscheid. “Kevin has earned the opportunity to showcase his ability as a skilled playmaker and his overall talents for Team WHL and we wish him the best when he faces Team Russia in Saskatchewan.”
