The CJAHL in partnership with Hockey Canada announced today the two individuals who will perform the roles of General Manager and Head Coach for Team Canada West at the 2008 World Junior A Challenge.

Team Canada West stated that they have appointed Leonard Strandberg from the OCN Blizzard of the MJHL, as their General Manager.

“Leonard brings a generous history of 20 years worth of experience in Junior A hockey to the table. He has outstanding skills that will assist the leagues in the west, to continue to build a solid foundation for this important hockey development program,” declared the CJAHL Representative for Team Canada West, Kim Davis. “We are optimistic that Leonard will be an excellent selection to lead Team Canada West in its quest to win its third consecutive gold medal at the World Junior A Challenge.”

Team Canada West also announced today that they have appointed Boris Rybalka from the Camrose Kodiaks of the AJHL, as the team’s head coach.

“We are very delighted to appoint Boris as the Head Coach for Team Canada West, for the third consecutive year,” pronounced Kim Davis. “Boris did a phenomenal job the past two years for Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge. We are very optimistic he will be able to repeat this excellence. With the tournament being held this year in his hometown, this is a very special occasion for Boris to coach the team in front of his family, friends, and fans in the city of Camrose.”

The 2008 World Junior A Challenge will take place from November 1st to 9th in Camrose, AB. Canada will look to continue its tremendous success at the event, as Team Canada East played Team Canada West in the championship finals of the 20 World Junior A Challenge events, winning silver and gold medals respectively in back-to-back years.

Team Canada East will be making the announcement of their General Manager and Head Coach in the not too distant future. Please stay tuned to www.cjahl.com for more details.

The CJAHL is an amalgamation of ten Junior A hockey leagues from across Canada. More information on the CJAHL can be found by clicking on the league website, www.cjahl.com.

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