Charl Pretorius makes South African national team for 2016 IIHF World Championships

Elmira, NY --A week after finding out that the Elmira College women's ice hockey team would be sending Louisa Lippiatt Durnell '18 to the 2016 IIHF World Championships, the Elmira College men's ice hockey team found out it will also will be sending a team member to compete in next month's tournament. Rookie netminder Charl Pretorius has made the South African National Team's final roster for 2016 IIHF Division III World Championship, which is set to be played in Instanbul, Turkey, from March 31^st-April 9^th.

"Being selected for the South African National Team is an honor," Pretorius said. "I think it will be an unbelievable experience to play at the IIHF World Championships."

Pretorius is one of two ECAC West players to get the call from the South Africa for the upcoming tournament, as the Elmira netminder will be joined by Nazareth College forward Uthman Samaai. The Soaring Eagle goaltender is set to make the jump to the National Team after participating on the World Junior Cup Under 18 Team each of the last three years.

The Pretoria, South Africa, native made one appearance for Elmira during his debut season. He posted 38 saves in the regular season finale against nationally-ranked Hobart College, which marked the most stops by an EC rookie in their collegiate debut dating back to at least 1999-2000 season.

"We are excited for Charl to be able to represent his country at the IIHF World Championships," Head Coach Aaron Saul  said. "He has worked extremely hard this year and is ready for this special opportunity."

Pretorius has had a distinguished junior career for his country, posting the best the save percentage amongst goaltenders at the IIHF Division III B World Junior Championships in 2012-13 and 2013-14. He was named the top goaltender at both the 2013-14 IIHF Division III B and 2014-15 IIHF Division III A World Junior Championships.

Joining the Republic of South Africa in the Division III tournament will be: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Hong Kong, Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates, and tournament-host Turkey. The teams play a round-robin tournament with the winner due for promotion into IIHF Division II for next year.

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