WINNIPEG — Bison men's hockey will have a strong representation at next month's 2019 Winter Universiade (FISU – International University Sports Federation – Games) in Krasnoyrarsk, Russia from March 2-12.
Fourth-year defenceman Adam Henry and third-year forward Nick Zajac will both be on the Team Canada playing roster, while Bisons head coach Mike Sirant and assistant coach Devin Himpe will both be Team Canada assistant coaches with Sirant also being the Team Leader.
This is the first time Henry and Zajac have been selected for the Winter Universiade in their Bison careers. The 22-man Team Canada men's hockey roster features standout talents from across the four U SPORTS conferences.
Henry, 24, recently finished his fourth season with the Manitoba Bisons as alternate captain. In the 2018-19 season, the Winnipeg native was second on the Herd in scoring with 16 points, scoring six goals and marking ten assists, playing in all 28 games. In four seasons with the Bisons, Henry has totalled 19 goals and 51 assists in 110 conference regular season games.
Zajac, 23, recently finished his third and final season with the Manitoba Bisons as alternate captain. The Headingley, Manitoba native led Manitoba with 17 points, scoring four goals and marking 13 assists, playing in 26 out of 28 games. In three seasons, Zajac has totalled 14 goals and 30 assists in 73 conference regular season games.
"Bison men's hockey is thrilled and proud of the selection of Adam Henry and Nick Zajac to Team Canada," said Bisons head coach Mike Sirant. "Adam and Nick are outstanding players and exceptional leaders who will play an important role in the team's success in Russia. They will be outstanding representatives of the University of Manitoba and Canada!"
For Bisons head coach Mike Sirant, this is his third time serving on the coaching staff for Team Canada at a Universiade. He was an associate coach for the bronze medal winning men's hockey team at the 2015 Winter Universiade in Spain and was head coach for Canada's men's team, which also won a bronze medal, at the 1997 Winter Universiade in South Korea.
This is the first coaching selection for Bison men's hockey assistant coach Devin Himpe.
"I am very honoured to once again represent the University of Manitoba and Canada at a major international competition," said Sirant. "Having participated in previous Winter Universiades, I recognize the amazing hockey, cultural, and life experience they provide. I am also very excited to see Devin Himpe's hard work and dedication to coaching be rewarded by his selection to the coaching staff — he will do a fantastic job for Team Canada!"
Fans can help support Henry and Zajac's experience of wearing the red and white at the 2019 Winter Universiade by donating toward their out-of-pocket travel expenses here.
