Smith and Beckman Named to Canada Russia Series Roster

October 16, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release

Spokane Chiefs captain Ty Smith and forward Adam Beckman have each been named to Team WHL's roster for the upcoming 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series, to be played in Saskatoon and Prince Albert, Sask. on Nov. 13 and 14.

Smith, a first-round pick of the New Jersey Devils in the 2018 NHL draft, returns for a second year to the event after being selected last year. The second-year captain has played 199 WHL regular season games -- t-66th in franchise history -- while piling up 29 goals and 153 assists (14th) for 182 points. He was the 2019 WHL and CHL Defenseman of the Year. In five games so far during the 2019-20 season, Smith has three goals and three assists, earning WHL Player of the Week honors in his first opportunity since being reassigned by the Devils.

Beckman, a third-round pick of the Minnesota Wild in the 2019 draft, makes his first appearance in the Canada Russia Series after a stellar draft year during which he led the Chiefs in goals scored with 32. His prolific season on the scoresheet marked the most points by a Chiefs rookie since Roman Tvrdon (70; 1999-00) and most goals since Jason Podollan (36; 1992-93). Beckman recorded 13 multi-point games. Through eight games, he leads the Chiefs in points (13) and assists (10; t-2nd WHL).

It will be a homecoming of sorts for both players as the event returns to Saskatoon and Prince Albert. In 2005 and 2014, the series made an appearance in Saskatoon, while Prince Albert played host in 2008. Beckman calls Saskatoon home while Smith is originally from nearby Lloydminster, Alta.

The six-game CIBC Canada Russia Series features regional league teams of Canadian National Junior Team candidates competing against the Russian National Junior Team. Team CHL has won 12 times in event history, with Russia emerging victorious on four occasions.

The 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series is supported by title sponsor CIBC, the Official Bank of the CHL, along with associate sponsors Kia Canada, Cooper Tires, and Kubota Canada.

Tickets for Games 5 and 6 of the 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series are available now. Complete ticketing options available at the links below.

2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series Schedule

Game 1 - Monday, November 4 at Saint John, N.B.

Game 2 - Tuesday, November 5 at Moncton, N.B.

Game 3 - Thursday, November 7 at Kitchener, Ont.

Game 4 - Monday, November 11 at London, Ont.

Game 5 - Wednesday, November 13 at Saskatoon, Sask.

Game 6 - Thursday, November 14 at Prince Albert, Sask.

For event information, please visit http://chlcanadarussia.ca.

Western Hockey League Stories from October 16, 2019

• Raiders Rocket up to Third in Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings - WHL
• League High 3 T-Birds to Play for Team Canada at 2019 World U-17 Hockey Challenge - Seattle Thunderbirds
• Goaltender Joel Hofer to Play for Team WHL - Portland Winterhawks
• Addison, Cozens Named to CIBC Canada Russia Series - Lethbridge Hurricanes
• Tips F Cole Fonstad, D Olen Zellweger Named to National Events for Canada, Team WHL - Everett Silvertips
• Connor Zary Named to Team WHL - Kamloops Blazers
• Nolan Maier & Kirby Dach Named to Team WHL for 2019 Canada Russia Series - Saskatoon Blades
• Smith and Beckman Named to Canada Russia Series Roster - Spokane Chiefs
• Winterhawks' Joel Hofer to Play for Team WHL - Portland Winterhawks
• Byram Named to Team WHL's Roster for 2019 Cibc Canada Russia Series - Vancouver Giants
• Team WHL Roster Announced for 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series - WHL
• Two Hitmen Named to Team WHL - Calgary Hitmen
• Korczak, Foote and Hamaliuk named to Team WHL for the 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series - Kelowna Rockets
• Allan Named to Canada's 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge Roster - Prince Albert Raiders
• Royals Nolan Bentham Named to Hockey Canada's Under-17 Roster - Victoria Royals
• 16 WHL Players Selected to Represent Canada at World U-17 Hockey Challenge - WHL
• Hitmen Forward Sean Tschigerl to Play in 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge - Calgary Hitmen
• Brennan Named to Hockey Canada's Roster for 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge - Prince George Cougars
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• Guenther Named to Team Canada for 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge - Edmonton Oil Kings
• Carson Lambos, Matthew Savoie Named to Team Canada Roster for World Under-17 Hockey Challenge - Winnipeg Ice
• Mini Packs on Sale Now - Brandon Wheat Kings
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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