Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Pysyk to play for Canada

Congratulations to Sabres 2010 first-rounder Mark Pysyk for being being chosen to represent Canada at the 2012 World Junior Championship. The 19-year old Edmonton native joins Tyler Myers, Tyler Ennis, Luke Adam, Zack Kassian, and Marcus Foligno as recent Sabres prospects to skate for Canada's National Junior team at the prestigious under-20 event.

Pysyk (6'2, 188 pounds) has served as captain of the WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings for the past two years. In 25 games this season, the right-hander has scored two goals and 18 points while gathering 47 penalty minutes and a +6 rating.

Missing the chance to skate in his future home arena as a final cut for the 2011 tourney in Buffalo, the steady leader now gets an opportunity to sport the maple leaf sweater in his hometown, in the very rink he's called home for the past four years - Rexall Place - home of the Oil Kings and NHL's Oilers.

Canada will make their tournament debut the day after Christmas when they take on Team Finland, which will feature Sabres 2011 first round pick Joel Armia as a top-six weapon.