WHL Portland Winterhawks

Gasper Kopitar to Play for Slovenia in IIHF World Under-20 Division I Tournament

December 1, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


Portland Winterhawks forward Gasper Kopitar will suit up for Slovenia at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Under-20 Division I Tournament from Dec. 14 - 20 in Megève & Saint-Gervais, France.

Slovenia is in Group A of their tournament, which also includes Germany, Denmark, France, Ukraine and Japan. Group B includes Kazakhstan, Belarus, Norway, Italy, Poland and Croatia. The winner of the tournament will then be promoted to the top division of the World Under-20 Tournament in 2011.

Kopitar, a native of Jesenice, Slovenia, leaves Portland tomorrow to join the Slovenian team, and will return to the Winterhawks once the schedule resumes on December 27 following the WHL's winter break.

"This is a great opportunity for Gasper and we're excited that he'll be representing his country in international competition," said Portland Winterhawks General Manager & Head Coach Mike Johnston. "He has an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his brother Anze, a key member of Slovenia's national team who has gone on to become an elite NHL player."

"I'm very proud to have the opportunity to represent Slovenia as we try to win our tournament to advance to the top division next year," said Kopitar. "It's going to be very exciting to play for my country and help build the game in Slovenia."

Great seats for season tickets and group packages for the 2009-10 season are still available. Call 503-236-HAWK to reserve your spot today.




Western Hockey League Stories from December 1, 2009


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