Phoenix Coyotes Players to Participate in 2013 IIHF World Championship


Matt Kartozian – USA TODAY Sports

Several Phoenix Coyotes players will continue to play hockey even though the team’s season is over.  Seven players from the Coyotes will be taking part in the 2013 International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) World Championship tournament for his home country and Phoenix head coach, Dave Tippett, was also named to Canada’s coaching staff as well.  The tournament takes place in Stockholm, Sweden and Helsinki, Finland from May 3 through 9.

The following will participate: forwards Mikkel Boedker (Denmark), Martin Hanzal (Czech Republic), Lauri Korpikoski (Finland), David Moss (United States), Radim Vrbata (Czech Republic), goalie Mike Smith (Canada) and defenseman Zbynek Michalek (Czech Republic).

It’s a good opportunity for these guys to play for their countries, but hopefully there won’t be any significant injuries (any injuries at all) that will keep them out of the lineup for the Coyotes next season.

In addition to today’s announcement that these players are to be involved in the IIHF World Chamionship, the Coyotes were also one of 14 teams that did not make the playoffs that were taking part in this year’s NHL Draft Lottery, which took place earlier this evening.  Each of the 14 teams had a chance at being selected to have the first overall pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft on Jun. 30.  The Coyotes had a slim 1.1% chance at a first overall pick, but ended up being kept at the 12th selection spot just ahead of the Winnipeg Jets and Columbus Blue Jackets, respectively.

Stephanie Lewark is an NHL and Pittsburgh Penguins Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter (@steelcitysports), check out her Facebook page, or add her to your Google+ circle.


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