The Swift Current Broncos could end up being one of the most represented CHL teams at this year's World Junior Championship.

Today forward Aleksi Heponiemi and defenceman Artyom Minulin added their names to forward Tyler Steenbergen as Broncos invited to their respective country's training camp.

Heponiemi will attend Finland's camp, while Minulin will try-out for Team Russia in the week leading up to this year's tournament in Russia.

“I'm really excited to get invited to World Junior camp,” Minulin said. “It's a great experience playing for Team Russia. I'm so excited.”

Minulin has played for Russia in back-to-back years in the Canada/Russia challenge, but after three years with the Broncos there may be a slight adjustment to the Russian style.

“It will take a little bit of time,” Minulin said. “But we don't have much time just a week before World Juniors would start. I think I'll be alright.”

Potentially losing Steenbergen, Heponiemi and Minulin for almost a whole month of action will require the Broncos to fill some significant holes during that stretch.

“There's no question it is a bit of challenge for our hockey club but in a good way,” said Broncos Coach/Director of Player Personnel Manny Viveiros. “We've very happy and very proud of all three of our players that were invited to their respective country's training camps. I think all three have a real good opportunity to make their teams.”

Not only is it a dream come true for the players, but having three Broncos participating in the tournament is also a significant positive for the Swift Current Broncos brand.

“It's a real compliment and a an honour for our organization,” Viveiros said. “They're three great young men and three great young hockey players. I hope they all do well for their countries.”

Viveiros played for Team Canada in the 1986 World Junior Championship tournament and knows what his players are about to experience is pretty special.

“It's something you never forget,” he reflected. “I can still remember the day I was invited, the days leading up to the tournament itself and every practice. It's something you will never forget and what an honour it is to play for your country too. It's something that will make these kids better hockey players going forward in their hockey careers for sure.

Heponiemi leads the WHL with 69 points in 28 games. He had 86 points in 72 games last season to earn WHL Rookie of the Year honours and was drafted by the Florida Panthers in the second round of the NHL Draft.

Heponiemi has previously played for Finland's U18, U17 and U16 teams.

Minulin has 15 points in 26 games this season for Swift Current. He put up 50 points last season and was a +28.

The 19-year-old was not selected in the recent NHL draft, but he did attend Minnesota Wild rookie camp this fall.

With numbers down for World Juniors the Broncos may bring up a couple of prospects after Christmas.

“I think we'll bring up a couple of our prospects just after Christmas,” Viveiros said. “It's something we're discussing now.”

Heponiemi, Minulin and Steenbergen are still with the team as they travel to Alberta this weekend. Steenbergen is recovering from a minor injury so his status is uncertain.

All three players will depart to join their national teams at some point before the Broncos break for Christmas. Their final game before the ten day holiday is December 16th against Kamloops.

Swift Current is in Calgary on Friday, Red Deer on Saturday and Edmonton on Sunday before returning home for a three more home games.