Two Hounds picked for U18 World Championship team

NEWS RELEASE SOO GREYHOUNDS HOCKEY CLUB ************************* Murray, Nurse named to U18 roster The Soo Greyhounds Hockey Club is proud to announce that goaltender Matt Murray and defenseman Darnell Nurse will represent Team Canada at the IIHF U1

NEWS RELEASE

SOO GREYHOUNDS

HOCKEY CLUB

*************************

Murray, Nurse named to U18 roster

The Soo Greyhounds Hockey Club is proud to announce that goaltender Matt Murray and defenseman Darnell Nurse will represent Team Canada at the IIHF U18 World Championship later this month.

This year’s tournament will be held in Brno and Znojmo, Czech Republic from April 12 to April 22.

"Our organization is extremely proud of both Matthew and Darnell on their selection to Team Canada. This is a tremendous accomplishment for both young men to be named amongst the best in Canada at their age group" began GM Kyle Dubas.

Murray, who recently completed his 2nd season with the Hounds, enters the tournament as the #2 ranked North American goaltender for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.

"Matthew showed tremendous mental toughness and work ethic throughout the season. He matured as a goaltender
and put in a lot of work with Seamus Kotyk day in and day out. Matt earned his selection through hard work, and an
ability to persevere throughout the season" commented Dubas.

The Thunder Bay, ON product (Murray) appeared in 36 games this past season for the Hounds and was also a participant in the NHL/CHL Home Hardware Top Prospects game where he was named the Team Cherry Player of the game.

“It’s an honour to be given the chance to represent my country on an International stage and it’s a life-changing opportunity. I couldn’t be more excited playing for Team Canada” stated Murray when reached earlier today. "It only enhances the experience being able to go overseas with one of my good friends (Darnell)."

Nurse joins the Team Canada squad as one of four under-age players on the team.

"Darnell earned his way onto the team by working extremely hard during the season to improve in every facet of the game. As was very evident to all, Darnell developed his ability in all three zones of the ice through his commitment and passion to maximize his potential throughout the season" said Dubas.

The Hamilton, ON product recently finished his rookie season in the OHL where he appeared in 53 games.

Named the Hounds 2011-12 Rookie of the Year, Nurse is coming off a standout season on the blueline that also saw him represent Team Ontario at the World U17 Hockey Challenge in December.

“None of this could have been possible without the support of my teammates and our coaching staff. Without the opportunities I had this past season I would not be in this position right now.” started Nurse. “It makes it even better that I get to share this experience with Matt. It will be an honour to represent our country and I plan to make the most
of this opportunity.”

Matt, Darnell and their Team Canada teammates will play a set of exhibition games (Team Germany on April 8th and
versus Team Czech Republic on April 9th) before opening the tournament against Team Denmark on April 12 at 10
a.m. ET.

Team Canada will play in Pool A along with Denmark, Czech Republic, Finland and the United States.

The team is coming off a fourth-place finish at the U18 tournament in Germany one year ago.

(That team featured Hounds forward Nick Cousins)

"Both young men are a testament to strong work ethic, self discipline, and a desire to maximize their potential. Our organization is very proud of Matthew and Darnell" concluded Dubas.

Team Canada schedule: