For the third time, Varna native Ryan O'Reilly will wear the Maple Leaf at the World Hockey Championships.
After 82 games with the Colorado Avalanche, O'Reilly got the call to join other stars who will play for Team Canada in the Czech Republic.
O'Reilly is disappointed to not be involved in Stanley Cup Playoffs but says this is a chance to end the year on a good note.
"For us, getting an opportunity to keep playing and to try and win something to prove that we're the best hockey country in the world," O'Reilly said from Vienna, Austria. "it means a lot."
While this tournament is not his first on the world stage, it is the first time O'Reilly will be on a team with Sidney Crosby.
"Any time you get to be on the same ice as the best player in the world it is an amazing chance." He said. "We have a lot of talent on this team but it definitely helps a lot."
As for whether or not he will play on a line with Crosby, O'Reilly says nothing has been firmed up with any players. He may get a chance to skate with teammate Matt Duchene but lines won't be set in stone until closer to gametime.
Canada opens the tournament Friday afternoon against Latvia.
