WHL Prince George Cougars

MIKHALCHUK NAMED TO BELARUS ROSTER FOR WORLD JUNIOR HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP

Published on November 29, 2017 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Prince George Cougars News Release


PRINCE GEORGE, BC - The Prince George Cougars are excited to announce forward Vladislav Mikhalchuk has been named to Team Belarus, for the upcoming 2018 World Junior Championship.

"Vladislav has started to come into his own and has been a key contributor for our team," said General Manager Todd Harkins. "He's a dynamic forward with a great hockey sense and already has an impressive international resume. We are proud to see him represent the Cougars at such a prestigious tournament."

Mikhalchuk, 18, is fifth in team scoring and seventh among rookies in the WHL, with seven goals and 15 points in 23 games. Mikhalchuk is arguably playing his best hockey of late, as he has three goals and five points in his last five games. The Minsk Belarus, native was taken by the Cougars in the first round, 54th overall, in the 2017 CHL Import Draft last May.

"His work ethic on and off the ice has been great and it's impressive how fast he's acclimatized to life in North America, which isn't easy for a young player to do," stated Head Coach Richard Matvichuk. "His skill set speaks for itself but what stands out is the physical element he's adapted into his game. It's exciting to see one of our own in the World Juniors."

Last season, Mikhalchuk scored 14 goals and added 21 assists for 35 points in 31 games with the Belarus Under 18 National Team. The right-handed shooting winger also dressed in 13 games for the Under 20 National Team and registered four assists.

Internationally, Mikhalchuk suited up in one game for Belarus at the 2017 World Under-18 championships and played a pivotal role in guiding Belarus to a Gold Medal at the 2017 Mac's Major Midget Tournament held in Calgary, Alberta. In seven games at the tournament he had six goals and nine points.

The 2018 World Junior Hockey Championship runs December 26th to January 5th in Buffalo, New York. Belarus is in Group B and they're joined by Russia, Sweden, Czech Republic, and Switzerland. Belarus opens the tournament on Boxing Day against Sweden. For a full schedule and more information on the tournament, visit www.buffaloworldjuniors.com.

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Western Hockey League Stories from November 29, 2017


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