Simek gets Czechia invite; Canada camp roster unveiled

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Former Saint John Sea Dogs forward Pavel Simek has been named to Czechia's preliminary roster for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa.

Simek has posted six goals and seven assists in 27 games with the Rimouski Oceanic this season. He spent the two previous seasons with the Sea Dogs.

The 19-year-old has played with Czechia a number of times on the international stage.

Cape Breton Eagles goaltender Jakub Milota was also included on Czechia's roster.

Czech U20 nomination for WJC in Ottawa.

Adam Jiricek is only among the substitutes, due to injury . A question mark hangs over Šalé's participation. It will be decided before the WJC. If Šalé goes, one of the forwards won't be joining in.

6 players won 🥉 at last year's… pic.twitter.com/B2YzViw5Sk

— Honza Zoufal (@HZoufal) December 2, 2024

Czechia will play their first game of the world juniors on Boxing Day against Switzerland.

Team Canada, meanwhile, unveiled its selection camp roster on Monday. Only two players from the QMJHL were included: Drummondville Voltigeurs forward Ethan Gauthier and Oceanic forward Mathieu Cataford.

Bradly Nadeau of Saint-François-de-Madawaska, who has been playing with the AHL's Chicago Wolves, was also named to the camp. Nadeau turned pro this season after playing with the University of Maine.

Canada's selection camp begins Dec. 10 in Ottawa.

Eriks Mateiko is likely to be the lone Sea Dog taking part in this year's world juniors. The 19-year-old recorded one goal in five games with Latvia at last year's tournament.

Latvia opens the tournament on Dec. 27 against Canada.