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WHL Moose Jaw Warriors

Rysavy Heading to Czech Republic's World Junior Selection Camp

December 10, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Moose Jaw Warriors News Release


Martin Rysavy is going to have the opportunity to represent his country at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship.

The Moose Jaw Warriors import forward was named to the Czech Republic's selection camp roster this week.

"It feels like the best thing because it was one of my goals this season," Rysavy said after practice on Thursday.

Like junior players from Canada, making the World Junior team is the pinnacle for young players from the Czech Republic as well. Rysavy said making the team will be a dream come true.

"It's the biggest tournament in juniors, so it means the best in juniors," Rysavy said. "It's a big tournament for Czech and everyone from the hockey world."

Warriors head coach Mark O'Leary said he wants Rysavy to take in everything that the experience has to offer.

"Just go and enjoy it," he said. "Don't worry about the Moose Jaw Warriors for a couple weeks, just go and make your country proud and make us proud by enjoying the moment.

"Martin's a real competitive guy and I know he was looking forward to this opportunity, we're looking forward to the opportunity for him."

In 25 games this season with the Warriors, Rysavy has four goals and 15 points.

O'Leary said Rysavy's size should be a strength for him heading into the camp.

"When he's at his best, when he's moving his big frame, it's a lot to handle, whether that's off the rush, taking pucks to the net or down low," he said. "He has the skill level to make those small little skilled plays in and around the net."

Rysavy played two exhibition games with the Czech Republic's under-20 team over the summer and played for the country's under-18 team last season as well.

He posted two goals and three points in five games at the 2021 World Under-18 Hockey Championship.

The Columbus Blue Jackets prospect said he needs to put together a strong camp to make the team.

"I have to go and just do the job and hopefully I'll make it," Rysavy said.

Rysavy said he knows he will need to take his game up a notch to make the team.

"It's way faster, it's different hockey than normally, so I'm expecting way faster hockey and more physical and way more compete," he said.

If Rysavy cracks the Czech Republic roster and Warriors captain Daemon Hunt makes Team Canada, the two teammates could square off to open the tournament on Boxing Day.

"It's our first game, which is kind of sick, so that's my goal to play against Huntsy," Rysavy said.

O'Leary said having two players getting the opportunity to represent their country at the World Juniors is big for the Warriors' locker room.

"It's just great," he said. "Anytime you get in a dressing room full of players that are elite from your own country and the opportunity to play against the competition that you do at that tournament, it's only going to make you better."

The 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship is being held at Rogers Place in Edmonton and the Peavy Mart Centrium in Red Deer from Dec. 26 until Jan. 5.

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