The Laval Rocket have announced that they will temporarily release defenseman Noel Hoefenmayer so that he can represent Canada at the Spengler Cup tournament.
“I’m very excited. It's always an honor to wear the Canada jersey. I got the call the other day and I’m really lucky to have the chance to do this,” Hoefenmayer said.
Hoefenmayer will join the Canadian team after the Rocket's game against the Springfield Thunderbirds on December 22, and will be back with the club at the beginning of January.
Acquired from the Bakersfield Condors on December 6, the 25-year-old Ontario native has collected eight points in 12 games during the current campaign. In 150 games in the American League, the Canadian color wearer scored 73 points.
Hoefenmayer also collected an assist in his first and only game with the Laval club this season on December 15 against the Bridgeport Islanders.
In early December, the defenseman was acquired from the Edmonton Oilers for forward Jacob Perreault.
Several Quebec players will also represent Canada during the tournament, namely Philip-Michaël Devos (HC Ajoie), Manix Landry (HC Ambri-Piotta), Jonathan Hazen (HC Ajoie), Charles Hudon (Ontario – AHL), Philippe Maillet (HC Ambri -Piotta), Thomas Grégoire (EHC Kloten), Jonathan Aspirot (Calgary – AHL) and Antoine Bibeau (KooKoo Kuovola).
The team will also be able to count on 35-year-old veteran Sam Gagner, who played 1,043 games in the NHL, as well as former Montreal Canadiens Daniel Carr and Logan Shaw.
The Unifolié will play its first match against the host team, HC Davos, on December 26. The tournament final will be held on Tuesday, December 31.
Sports
Related News :