CALGARY, ALBERTA – Hockey Canada announced today that Slovakia will replace the Czech Republic at the 2004 World Under-17 Challenge being held in St.John’s, Newfoundland from to .

The Czech Republic, previously announced as one of the 10 teams that will participate at the World Under-17 Challenge, is unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict. The schedule, including game times and dates for the U-17 Challenge will not change, other than Slovakia playing in place of the Czech Republic.

This will mark the first time that Slovakia has participated at the World Under-17 Challenge.

Dr. Igor Nemecek, the General Secretary for the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation is pleased to be a part of this year’s tournament, "We are eager to participate in this year’s World Under-17 Challenge. It will give our players an opportunity to compete against the very best in their age category, and experience an international event."

Hockey Canada President, Bob Nicholson added, "Slovakia has been very successful recently on the international stage with a 2002 Men’s World Championship and a silver medal at the 2003 World Under-18 Tournament and we are very pleased to have them participate in the World Under-17 Challenge for the first time."