Prince George Cougars forward Brad Morrison is among three players who have been added to Team WHL for the Canadian Hockey League's Canada Russia Series.
Morrison, Lane Pederson of the Swift Current Broncos and Mason Shaw of the Medicine Hat Tigers will replace injured players Dillon Dube (Kelowna Rockets), Brett Howden (Moose Jaw Warriors) and Nolan Patrick (Brandon Wheat Kings).
The first game of the six-game series will be played Monday (7 p.m.) at CN Centre. Team WHL and Russia will also meet on Tuesday in Edmonton.
"To represent Canada and the WHL in my hometown of Prince George in front of our great fans is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I'm honoured to have been added to Team WHL's roster," Morrison said in a media release issued by the Cougars on Friday morning. "Being a part of the Canada-Russia rivalry is something I'll never forget. I'm looking forward to the entire experience."
The 19-year-old Morrison currently leads the Cougars in scoring with seven goals and 20 points in 17 games.
"Brad Morrison is very deserving of this opportunity to represent his hometown, his league and his country in the Canada Russia Series," said Cougars head coach Richard Matvichuk. "He's a game changer. With his skill and speed he's a threat to score every time he takes the ice and he's going to be a big-time asset to Team WHL when they take the ice against the Russians."
Morrison, an NHL draft pick of the New York Rangers, will join Cougars teammate Jansen Harkins on the WHL roster. Two other members of the Cougars organization - equipment manager Chico Dhanjal and athletic therapist Craig Hyslop - are also part of Team WHL.
The series will also see Russia face all-star teams from the Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
Since the event began in 2003, CHL teams have posted an overall record of 54-18-6 against Team Russia. Four of the last six series were decided in the final game.
Russia earned its first series victory in 2010 in Prince George and has since alternated victories with the CHL.
Canada Russia Series Schedule
Game 1 - Monday Nov. 7 at Prince George
Game 2 - Tuesday Nov. 8 at Edmonton
Game 3 - Thursday Nov. 10 at North Bay
Game 4 - Monday Nov. 14 at Hamilton
Game 5 - Tuesday Nov. 15 at Chicoutimi
Game 6 - Thursday Nov. 17 at Baie-Comeau
