The Windsor Sports Scene by In Play Magazine
The University of Windsor Lancers and the Windsor Spitfires are pleased to announce they’ll be hosting the 2011 Czech Republic World Junior U20 team in a series of games from September 8-11, 2010.
On Wednesday September 8, 2010, the Lancers will kick off the four-game series against the Czech Republic at Essex Arena & Sports Complex at 7:30pm. The game will be presented by title sponsor Countryside Chrysler.
The Windsor Spitfires will then continue their 2010-11 exhibition schedule as they host the Czech Republic the following night on Thursday, September 9th at 7:05pm at the WFCU Centre.
The Czech team will wrap the Essex County portion of their trip on Friday evening as the Lancers will play their second game of the series on September 10th at 7:30pm here at the Vollmer Recreation Complex in LaSalle.
The series will wrap up the next evening in London, as the Czech will travel up the 401 on Saturday, September 11th to face-off against the Western Mustangs in London.
Lancer head coach Kevin Hamlin said his team was looking for a unique pre-season opportunity and noticed a number of World Junior teams playing in North America in preparation for the World Junior Tournament in Buffalo, New York in December.
“This is a really unique opportunity for the Lancers and Spitfires to host a world class U20 junior team here in Windsor,” commented Coach Hamlin. “We think the community is going to enjoy the chance to see these exciting games in early September.”
Hamlin contacted the Czech Republic Ice Hockey Federation, who put him in touch with U20 head coach Slava Lener. “We thought it would be a great fit to get them here in Windsor in the pre-season and to help assist them in their preparation for the world tournament.”
In addition to adding the Western Mustangs to the schedule, Hamlin rounded out the series by contacting Windsor Spitfires Vice-President and General Manager Warren Rychel, who jumped at the opportunity to play such a high calibre team.
“The Windsor Spitfires are proud to be part of this great event, as we welcome the Czech national junior team to Windsor,” said Rychel. “Playing the Czechs will be a great challenge for our team as we prepare for the upcoming season, and we look forward to hosting another exciting event at the WFCU Centre.”
“I’m sure the community will be out in full force for these games and our team is excited to be part of this newly created series,” Rychel continued.
Coach Hamlin feels this will be a great experience to help bring his Lancer team together and kick-off a new season. “I am looking forward to the upcoming season, and the Czech’s visit is the beginning of what I feel is going to an outstanding year for our hockey club,” added Hamlin. “We look forward to hosting the U20 team, and the competition is something our guys will remember for the rest of their lives.”
