Representing Czechia on the international stage in hockey? Playing against the best on the world stage? Nothing new or unusual for the 18-year-old forward.
But doing so in front of the lights, cameras and action surrounding the World Junior Hockey Championship? That’s something else altogether.
Rysavy was among 14 forwards officially named to the Czechia roster on Christmas Eve, meaning he’ll be in the line-up when his team plays their first game against Canada Sunday night in Edmonton.
Rysavy -- who has five goals and 16 points in 28 games with the Warriors this season -- has played internationally every step of his hockey career.
That includes the World Hockey Challenge Under-17 tournament in 2019-20, where he captained Team Czechia and had three goals and five points for the bronze-medal winning crew.
The following season, Rysavy was selected by the Warriors in the first round, sixth overall in the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft. He would have joined the Western Hockey League club for the 2020-21 campaign, but the ongoing pandemic prevented Rysavy from making the trip over. He would take the ice in the World Under-18 championship -- facing future teammate Denton Mateychuk with Team Canada in the process -- and put up two goals and three points in five games.
In addition to their game against Canada on Boxing Day, Czechia will face Germany on Dec. 27 and Finland on Dec. 29 before closing out their preliminary round against Austria on Dec. 30.
The top four teams from each round-robin pool advance to the quarter-finals beginning Jan. 2, followed by the semifinals Jan. 4 and medal games Jan. 5.
Moose Jaw Warriors captain Daemon Hunt was in the hunt for a spot on Team Canada’s defensive corps but saw bad luck rear its head once again, suffering a broken hand blocking a shot during Canada’s training camp. He’s expected to return to action with the Warriors early in the new year.
Hunt was also a member of Canada’s training camp in 2020, but contracted COVID-19 at the event and as a result, was among the final cuts.
Canada continues their tournament against Austria on Dec. 28, followed by Germany Dec, 29 and Finland Dec. 31.
You can follow along with all the scores and results on TSN.ca and www.iihf.com.
