Oakville native Chris Haltigin was named captain for Team Canada East on by head coach Jerome Dupont on Saturday. Haltigan, a defenceman, is an alternate captain with the OPJHL’s Oakville Blades.

Dupont also named his two alternate captains: Adam Brace (Cobden, ON/ Pembroke, CJHL) and Corey Trivino (Toronto, ON/ Stouffville, OPJHL).

Canada East opens the World Junior A Challenge on November 5th against Belarus. Game time is 7:30 pm (PST) at the Cominco Arena in Trail, BC

PIERRO-ZABOTEL NAMED CAPTAIN FOR TEAM CANADA WEST;
TEAM CANADA WEST ANNOUNCES ROSTER CHANGE

Casey Pierro-Zabotel, a native of Kamloops, BC, was named Canada West’s captain for the 2007 World Junior A Challenge on Thursday by head coach Boris Rybalka. The Merritt Centennials’ star forward is one of two returning players from Team Canada West’s winning squad at last year’s World Junior A Challenge.

Canada West General Manager Darcy Rota also announced that defenceman Nolan Julseth-White (Chilliwack, BC/ Langley, BCHL) will not be able to take part in the World Junior A Challenge due to a pre-existing injury. His place has been taken by Jeff Forsythe (Campbell River, BC/ Prince George, BCHL). Forsythe was a member of the Prince George Spruce Kings last year, when they hosted the RBC Cup, the National Junior A Championship. Due to an injury, the native of Campbell River, BC was not able to play however.

Canada West’s captain Pierro-Zabotel, who was selected by Pittsburgh in 3rd round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, 80th overall, comes into the World Junior A Challenge this week in Trail and Nelson, BC as the 9th top scorer in the BCHL, with 15 goals and 12 assists with Merritt, where he also serves as team captain.

Rybalka also named two alternate captains: Damon Kipp (Salmon Arm, BCHL) and Brett Hextall (Penticton, BCHL). Kipp also was a member of Team West in Yorkton in 2006, capturing a gold medal.

In exhibition action on Thursday, Canada West edged the Trail Smoke Eaters 2-1, while Canada East doubled the KIJHL All-Stars 4-2.