Pats' Leschyshyn Added to Team WHL for Game 2 of 2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series

November 7, 2017 - Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release

Swift Current, Sask. - The Western Hockey League, in association with the Canadian Hockey League, announced today that forward Jake Leschyshyn (Regina Pats) has been added to Team WHL's roster for Game 2 of the 2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series, scheduled for Tuesday, November 7 in Swift Current.

The 18-year-old Leschyshyn will replace Brett Howden (Moose Jaw Warriors) who was injured in Team WHL's 7-0 victory over Russia in Game 1 of the 2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series Monday night in Moose Jaw.

Leschyshyn, who was a second-round selection (62nd) of the Vegas Golden Knights at the 2017 NHL Draft, has registered nine points (4G-5A) in 14 games this season with the Pats.

A product of Saskatoon, Sask., the 5-foot-11, 188-pound Leschyshyn was originally the sixth overall selection of the Red Deer Rebels at the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft. In 139 career WHL regular season games, all with the Pats, Leschyshyn has 68 points (31G-37A) to his credit.

Leschyshyn, the son of former NHL defenceman Curtis Leschyshyn, previously represented Canada at the 2015 IIHF World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, logging two points (1G-1A) in five games as a member of Team Canada Black.

The addition of Leschyshyn to the roster ensures three Regina Pats will appear at the 2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series as he joins forward Sam Steel and defenceman Josh Mahura.

Howden, a first-round pick (27th) of the Tampa Bay Lightning at the 2016 NHL Draft, collected a goal and an assist along with a plus-3 rating prior to exiting Monday's 7-0 victory over Russia. He was also successful on 75 per cent (6/8) of his face-off attempts.

Team WHL will face Team Russia in Game 2 of the 2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series in Swift Current, Sask., on Tuesday, November 7, to complete the western leg of the annual event. The Ontario Hockey League will host Games 3 and 4, while the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League will welcome the festivities surrounding Games 5 and 6.

Each of the three CHL member Leagues assembled a selection committee, working closely with Hockey Canada, to select the players for this year's series. This year, Team WHL is coached by Tim Hunter (Moose Jaw Warriors), who will also serve as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship. Regina Pats general manager and head coach John Paddock and Swift Current Broncos director of player personnel and head coach Manny Viveiros serve as assistant coaches for Team WHL.

Since the event first began in 2003, CHL teams have played to an overall record of 59-19-1-6, including Monday's Game 1 victory. The competitiveness of the rivalry has grown in recent years with four of the last seven series decided in the final game, and with Russia earning three series wins since 2010 compared to the CHL's four series triumphs over the same period including last season by a 13-5 margin in points.

The 2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series is supported by title sponsor CIBC, the Official Bank of the CHL, along with associate sponsors Cooper Tires and Sherwin-Williams. All games will be broadcast nationally on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.

2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series Schedule:

Game 1 - Monday November 6 at Moose Jaw, SK

Game 2 - Tuesday November 7 at Swift Current, SK

Game 3 - Thursday November 9 at Owen Sound, ON

Game 4 - Monday November 13 at Sudbury, ON

Game 5 - Tuesday November 14 at Charlottetown, PE

Game 6 - Thursday November 16 at Moncton, NB

Pats' Leschyshyn Added to Team WHL for Game 2 of 2017 CIBC Canada Russia Series

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