Four U of S hockey players, two women and two men, have been selected to play for Canada in next month’s F-I-S-U Winter University Games in Lake Placid, New York.
Saskatchewan goaltender Camryn Drever and defenceman Isabella Pozzi are on the Canadian women’s team while Huskies’ goaltender Roddy Ross and forward Jared Dmytriw will suit up for the men’s team. Helping them suit up will be U of S men’s team equipment manager Cord Ivanco, chosen to the same position with the Canadian men’s team. The F-I-S-U World University Winter Games run from January 12-22. Following are the news releases from Huskie Athletics…..
WHKY: Pozzi and Drever named to Team Canada for 2023 World University Games
Pozzi has been a powerhouse on the Huskies blue line the last number of seasons. The U SPORTS Championship All-Star has been on a mission, locking down the Huskies defence that is tied for second in Canada West in goals allowed. Pozzi has also chipped in offensively over her career with the Huskies with 21 points in 93 career Canada West regular season games for Saskatchewan. Last season she was also a member of the U SPORTS All-Star team at the national championship, where the Huskies took home the bronze medal. Pozzi will look to play an important role for Canada’s quest for a FISU Gold Medal.
Pozzi is looking forward to the opportunity to dawn the red and white. “I’m not only excited to be able to represent Canada on the world stage, but also the University of Saskatchewan.” Pozzi credits the Huskies for helping her get to this point in her career. “This program has helped me develop into the person and player I am today.”
The Huskies defenseman is also excited to share the experience with her goaltender. “I am very excited to be able to share this experience with Cam, being able to experience the FISU games experience with one of my close friends is very special and an experience I will remember forever.”
Drever has been the key to the Huskies success. The fourth-year goaltender out of Edmonton, AB has a career 1.56 goals against average, .938 save percentage in 48 games as a Huskie. This season, Drever has been nothing short of outstanding posting 1.58 goals against average, .938 save percentage in 13 games. Drever will look to help backstop Canada to an international gold medal.
Drever is also looking froward to the opportunity to represent Canada. “I am super excited and feel honoured to wear the maple leaf.” Drever has been looking towards FISU for a while. “This tournament is something that I have had my eyes set on since I started my career as a huskie and am thrilled to have the opportunity to represent Canada.”
The veteran goalie is ready for the opportunity. “I am looking forward to the chance to play against some other countries. This will be my first international tournament at this level, and I am super excited to compete for gold with Canada.”
Canada will play five round robin games and will kick off the tournament against Slovakia on January 11, 2023. Their schedule then ramps up with the Czech Republic on January 14, Japan on January 15, Great Britain on January 17, and the United States on January 18. Semi-finals are slated for January 18, with the medal games on January 21.
MHKY: Dmytriw and Ross set to suit up for Canada at 2023 World University Games in Lake Placid
Dmytriw has been on a mission early in this 2022-2023 season. Through the Huskies first 18 games he has been nothing short of phenomenal. The third year out of Craven, SK has 12 goals (tied for third in Canada West), while racking up 25 points (fifth place in Canada West). Team Canada will look for the Huskies veteran to continue his hot start when they hit the ice in Lake Placid in January.
Dmytriw is looking forward to the opportunity after having the chance last year taken away. “Last year being selected to go to Switzerland and then the games being canceled was a tough pill to swallow! To be able to get another opportunity to go to the FISU Games in Lake Placid with all the history of the Olympics being played there and the Miracle on Ice it’s very exciting!”
The veteran forward is ready for his chance on the international stage. “I haven’t had the opportunity to play for my country before or play in an international tournament so saying I’m excited for Lake Placid would be an understatement. It’s an opportunity that every kid growing up playing hockey dreams of. The chance to represent their country, wearing the maple leaf and having the chance to win a gold medal!”
Roddy Ross has been the backbone for the Huskies in net all season long. The second-year goaltender out of Meadow Lake, SK has been an important part of the Huskies success this season. So far, Ross has a 2.85 goals against average and a .901 save percentage this season. Ross has also been in net for six of the Huskie wins this season.
Ross is looking forward to representing Canada. “It’s an honor. It’s a great opportunity for me and my family and I’m very excited to wear that jersey and be a part of this tournament. Can’t wait to get things rolling and go for that gold medal!”
Joining Dmytriw and Ross will be Huskies equipment manager Cord Ivanco on the staff for Canada, he was named as the equipment manager back in September. Ivanco was named as the equipment manager for last years tournament in Lucerne, Switzerland before it was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Canada plays five round robin games beginning January 12 vs Ukraine. Canada will faceoff against Sweden on January 13, Japan on January 15, Latvia on January 17, and the Czech Republic on January 19. The Semi-final and Final will take place on January 21 & 22 respectively.
