The 麻豆社国产Wolf Pack will be well represented when the Pacific International Junior Hockey League (PIJHL) brings its annual Prospects Game to the Brennan Park Arena on Monday (Jan. 31).
Rosters were released online on Friday (Jan. 21) and three members of the Pack will suit up for the Tom Shaw Conference team. Representing 麻豆社国产will be forwards Jaret Babych, Matt Bonin and Vitalik Morozov.
"It's a pretty good feeling to be recognized," said Babych, who leads the Wolf Pack in goals with 12. "It's good to know that people are paying attention to our games even though we might be out of the playoffs."
Babych is tied for second in the PIJHL in rookie goal scoring and has exploded in the second half of the season, potting 10 goals in his past 11 games. He also leads the PIJHL in rookie hat tricks, with two.
Whistler native Matt Bonin agreed that it's a nice accolade to be invited to the league's midseason classic for younger players.
"It's an unreal honour," he said. "A bunch of my friends are going to be on the team and it should be a lot of fun."
Bonin is third on team scoring for the Pack and has played a significant role on the team all season long. He is also tied for second in the league with two shorthanded goals.
The third member of the Pack participating in the Prospects Game is also the newest member of the team - forward Vitalik Morozov. Since joining the team in the Konrad Sander trade on Jan. 11, Morozov has made an immediate impact. He's complied six points in four games on the Pack and has been blossoming with the increased playing time he's found in Squamish.
"It's a really cool honour to go to the game," he said. "I started off the season slow but I've really fit in well here in Squamish."
It's been a rollercoaster ride of a season for Morozov, who started the season with the Port Moody Black Panthers but was then traded to Delta on Nov. 10 before eventually winding up with the Pack.
Playing in front of their hometown fans at the Brennan Park Arena could prove to be an advantage for the Pack players, who may know their home rink better than the visiting players.
"I guess it could be an advantage," Babych admitted. "We're pretty familiar with the rink and used to the environment here."
Above all, the three players are grateful for the opportunity to strut their stuff in front of their hometown fans and the interested eyes of the scouts who are likely to be in attendance.
"We just want to go out there and showcase our skills," Morozov said. "It's a good chance for all of us to show everyone what we've got."
The 2011 Prospects Game will take place at the Brennan Park Arena on Monday (Jan. 31) with a puck drop set for 7:30 p.m. For more information and the full rosters for the game, visit www.pijhl.com.
