Prince George, BC – The Prince George Cougars  2009 Import Draft pick, forward Jaroslav Vlach, will be taking part in the upcoming Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Vlach, the 11^th overall selection by the Cougars in the 2009 CHL Import Draft, will be suiting up for the Czech Republic at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament, playing in the same pool as Cougars forward Brett Connolly, who was named to Canada’s team Tuesday. Vlach had 15 goals and 43 points in 24 games for the Liberec Midget White Tigers in the Czech Republic last season and also posted four goals and seven points in 13 games for the Liberec Junior team. The 6’3”, 205 pound Vlach has represented the Czech Republic with both the U-16 and U-17 National teams. Last year, he scored one goal and six points in 9 international games.

Vlach and the Czech Republic will play their first game of the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament next Tuesday against Switzerland. The Czech team will then face Sweden next Wednesday, prior to squaring off with Connolly and Team Canada Thursday. All Czech Republic round robin games will be played at 10:00am Pacific Time.