Two Calgary Flames prospects will be part of the competition as high-stakes international hockey kicks off later this week. Forward Adam Ruzicka will represent Slovakia and defenseman Ilya Solovyov will represent Belarus one of three round robin tournaments for the three remaining spots in the 2022 men’s Olympic hockey tournament.
Ruzicka, 22, was Calgary’s fourth round pick in 2017. He played last season primarily with the AHL’s Stockton Heat, where he put up 21 points in 28 games. He also made his NHL debut, playing three games (and earning his first NHL point, an assist). He’s previously represented Slovakia at several major tournaments: the Hlinka Gretzky Cup (twice), Under-17 Worlds, Under-18 Worlds (twice) and World Juniors (three times).