For the first time since 2006, the Viking Cup is making its return.
The tournament, which began in 1980, has a rich history of showcasing junior teams from around the globe, with past participants representing Sweden, Finland, Slovakia, the United States, and more. Over the years, the Viking Cup has also served as a launching pad for future NHL stars, including Dominik Hašek, Joe Pavelski, Paul Stastny, Miikka Kiprusoff, Tomáš Vokoun, James Patrick, Žigmund Pálffy, Patrik Eliáš, Mikko Koivu, Sergei Gonchar, Henrik Lundqvist, Henrik Zetterberg, and Tuukka Rask.
Yesterday, the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League announced its roster for the event, set to take place in Camrose. Among the players selected was Yorkton Terriers forward Jye Zawatsky.
“Obviously I was super excited to get that text from our commissioner, Kyle McIntyre,” said Zawatsky. “It was definitely an event I had marked on the calendar.”
Zawatsky is in the midst of his most productive junior season, his final campaign with the Terriers. He currently sits fifth in the SJHL scoring race with 31 points and is on pace to shatter his previous career high of 34, set in 2023–24.
“I hope to gain some experience playing against guys much older than myself,” he added. “It’s going to be another jump heading into college or university hockey next year, so it’ll be good to get a taste of that speed and physicality.”
The Viking Cup will run from December 28 to January 3 at the Canmore Recreation Centre.
