New Hogs head coach to lead future Canadian stars

Rockford, Ill.- It has been a whirlwind two weeks for new Rockford IceHogs Head Coach Bill Peters. And forgive him if he still isn’t used to the new title.

Before heading to Rockford later this month to take the reigns of the IceHogs, Peters will spend time in Europe coaching Canada’s Under-18 National Team at the 2008 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament. The tournament will feature eight national teams from around the world.

Peter’s club will begin play on Tuesday, Aug. 12 in Slovakia against Switzerland. Team Canada will play in Group B along with Switzerland, Slovakia and Sweden. Piestany, Slovakia is the host city for Group B. Group A consists of the United States, Finland, Russia and Czech Republic. The Czech Republic will host Group A games in Breclev.

The tournament runs through Saturday, Aug. 16 and concludes with the gold medal game in Breclev. Canada has won the tournament three of the four previous seasons.

Peters helped select Canada’s U-18 team after a four-day camp in Calgary. The team departed Wednesday for Slovakia. A Three Hills, Alberta native, Peters led the Spokane Chiefs (WHL) to the Memorial Cup championship this past spring.

To follow Peter’s club in the 2008 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament click here.