SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane Chiefs forward Kailer Yamamoto has been added to the USA National U-17 Team that will represent the United States at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Sarnia, Ont. from Nov. 2-8. Yamamoto, a rookie forward from Spokane, Wash., has 2 goals and 6 assists in 12 games for the Chiefs this season.

“Representing your country at an international tournament is always a special honor for a player and Kailer has earned this opportunity,” said Chiefs General Manager Tim Speltz. “The Spokane Chiefs are very proud of Kailer and wish him all the best at the prestigious World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.”

The 24-game tournament will feature eight teams, including Finland, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden and three from Canada. Team USA will compete in Group B with Canada Red, Slovakia and Sweden. Their first game, vs. Sweden, is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 2 at 3 p.m. EST.

Since the first World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in 1986, more than 1,400 NHL draft picks have played in the tournament, including 11 of the last 14 first-overall selections. This year’s tournament brings together players born in 1998 or later.

Yamamoto will miss four Chiefs games while competing in the tournament. He is expected to rejoin the club on Nov. 11, when they host the Kelowna Rockets at Spokane Arena.

The Chiefs host the reigning Memorial Cup Champion Edmonton Oil Kings at Spokane Arena on Wednesday night for a TicketsWest Player Magnet Giveaway Night.

Tickets for Wednesday night and all Chiefs home games are available in-person at the Chiefs’ Ticket Office, over the phone at (509) 535-PUCK and (800) 325-SEAT, via TicketsWest outlets and online at www.ticketswest.com.