CALGARY, Alta. – Long-time Hockey Canada sponsor RBC has provided two plane tickets to each member of Canada’s National Junior Team to bring the people who have made a difference in their hockey careers to the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship.  

Players will be informed Thursday afternoon, following the team’s first practice at the WinSport Canada Athletic & Ice Complex. Canada’s National Junior Team was announced Wednesday following a four-day selection camp in Calgary.

“No one gets to this level alone. We recognize that it takes hard work, dedication and a support team to help hockey happen,” said Jim Little, chief brand and communication officer with RBC. “Parents, coaches and volunteers are the reason these Team Canada players are here today and RBC is proud to provide this opportunity to share in the excitement and pride of the World Juniors.”

“This is a tremendous example of a Hockey Canada partner coming forward to support our players, who have committed to representing Canada during the holiday season,” said Scott Salmond, senior director of hockey operations/national teams with Hockey Canada. “Thanks to the generosity of RBC, these players will be able to share the excitement of the World Juniors with those who helped them get to where they are today.”

Following today’s practice, Canada’s National Junior Team will move to Banff, Alta., where it will be based through Dec. 22. Canada opens its pre-competition schedule on Monday, Dec. 19 when it meets Finland at the Saddledome in Calgary. Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.ca.   

Canada will play its first game of the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship on Boxing Day, Dec. 26 against Finland, a game that will be broadcast LIVE by TSN/RDS and on The FAN Radio Network (check local listings). While the event is officially sold out, tickets are available through a ticket exchange program at www.HockeyCanada.ca/2012juniors.

For more information on the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, please visit www.HockeyCanada.ca/2012juniors, or follow along via social media at www.facebook.com/worldjuniors and www.twitter.com/hc_wjc.