ESTERO, FL – The2011 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships begin this weekend in Kosice and Bratislava, Slovakia. There is strong representation there with two coaches and 26 hockey players from the ECHL. This is the first time Slovakia is the host country in the IIHF’s 75th tournament year.
Sixteen teams will play a total of 56 games between April 29th and May 15th to crown a Champion. The sixteen teams and their ranking are as follows:
(1)Russia; (2) Czech Republic; (3) Canada; (4) Slovakia; (5) Finland; (6) Sweden; (7) Switzerland;
(8) United States; (9) Belarus; (10) Denmark; (11) Germany; (12) Norway; (13) Latvia; (14) France; (15) Austria; (16) Slovenia.
Players must be citizens of the country they will represent. Team Registration Rosters may have a maximum of 20 skaters and three goalies (minimum is 15 skaters and 2 goalies).
Included in the player list are four former Florida Everblades (ECHL) players:
Phillipe Lakos (Defense) – played with the Blades in the 2001-2002 season – representing Austria
Laurent Meunier (Forward) – played with the Blades in the 2002-2003 season – representing France
Kevin Lavellee (Defense) – played with the Blades in the 2005-2006 season – representing Germany
Greg Kuznik (Defense) – played with the Blades in the 1998-2002 seasons – representing Slovenia
Included on the coaching list are two former ECHL coaches:
Scott Gordon is the head of the USA team for the second consecutive season
Barry Smith is serving as the assistant coach for Team USA
Contact the writer at: sharon.weatherhead@prohockeynews .com
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