The Vermont Lumberjacks have seen two of its Elite Team Play at the World Junior level for their country in Kieran Webster, and Lyndon Lodge, both representing Australia in the U20 World Junior Championship.  Both players represented Australia and the Vermont Lumberjacks well at the tournament, and the Jacks have yet another one of its players being called upon to represent his country on the biggest and the most esteemed stage of his age group.  Markuss Komuls will play for Latvia in the IIHF U18 World Junior Championship. 

“it's a great opportunity for him. there will be a lot of NHL and AHL scouts, GMs from every NHL team, D1 College scouts there, and he will have an opportunity to compete against the worlds best at his age,”  Said Coach Doc DelCastillo, Head Coach of the Vermont Lumberjacks. 

“Any time you have the opportunity to wear your country’s jersey is a great honor for him to be able to do that.” DelCastillo Said.

Komuls’ Goal since signing with the Vermont Lumberjacks, is to put himself in position to play D1 college hockey someday.  Assistant Coach Jim Mosso agrees with Coach Doc on what kind of opportunity this is for him.

“Markuss being in the World Juniors is an incredible opportunity. He will be playing on a big stage with a ton of high end scouts in the stands. This is a great chance for him to prove he can play Division 1 college hockey,” Mosso Said.  

Komuls finished the 2015-2016 season with the Lumberjacks as a pivotal part of the Jacks lineup, posting 7 goals and 30 assists as a defensemen. 

“It feels good to be on the team and it's going to be a great experience,” Komuls said. 

“I can't wait to play against some of the best players in the world in my age group. It will be interesting to compare myself to all of the players here.”

Markuss considers being amongst the greatest in his age group a great honor, and a privilege.

“It's great to be on the same team with some of the guys I have played with a couple years ago when I was back home. I feel honored to be a part of this team and represent my country. It's exciting!  I can't wait for the opening face-off,” Komuls said.

Komuls’ time with the Vermont Lumberjacks has payed dividends for him in terms of strength and conditioning, and he attributes his growth to Coach Doc’s system.

“I think that I have developed a lot as a player and as a person this season. Coach Doc and the lumberjacks organization have helped me grow in many ways. Playing for the Lumberjacks was the right move for me this season,” Komuls said.

“He’s a special player, hopefully the things that he has learned with us translates to the opportunity he has at hand,” DelCastillo said.

“Any time you have someone playing at a world level you’re proud and happy for him.  I myself for one want to go up there and be in the crowd and let people know that he plays for us, and in fact does want to play college hockey.  we are proud of him excited and wish him the best of luck,” DelCastillo said.  

The Tournament will span between April 14th - April 24th in Grand Forks North Dakota.