Gravel to play at Vlad Dzurilla tourney

Marquette Rangers defenseman Kevin Gravel has been added to the U.S. National Under-17 Team that will compete at the 2009 Vlad Dzurilla Under-18 Tournament in Piestany, Slovakia, next week.

Gravel, from Kingsford, has put up seven assists in 42 games in his first season of Junior A hockey and has also recorded a plus-2 rating.

The 6-foot-4, 175-pounder has played against the U.S. National Under-17 Team six times this season in NAHL competition.

“We’re very excited for Kevin and his family,” said Rangers head coach Kenny Miller. “For him to get a chance to join this team and showcase his talents at an international event is a great honor.”

Gravel also has his college plans in place, as he is committed to St. Cloud State University of the WCHA for 2010.

“Everyone within our organization wishes Kevin nothing but the best when he travels over to Slovakia next week,” Miller added.

The Vlad Dzurilla Tournament will take place Feb. 5-7. Along with the United States, the tournament includes under-18 squads from Germany, Slovakia and Switzerland.