Czechoslovakia Will Play in Tournament

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan — The Czechoslovakian national hockey team will participate in a hockey tournament which will include Team Canada and the Soviets and will be held in Saskatoon between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

“The Czechs are in,” said Allan Eagleson, international negotiator for Hockey Canada. “The tournament’s on in Saskatoon.”

Donald Beauchamp, director of communications for Canada’s Olympic team, said the tournament will involve three national teams and will take place Dec. 28 to Jan. 1 at Saskatchewan Place, Saskatoon’s new arena.

He said the U.S. national team will be asked to fill the void if either the Czechs or the Soviets pull out.

Hockey Canada wants one game on each day and the final on Jan. 1.

“We’re not sure about the format,” Beauchamp said, adding it depends on Hockey Canada’s being able to guarantee the Czechs and Soviets some post-tournament games.

“These teams don’t come only for the tournament. They come for the tournament and want to play post-tournament games as well,” he said. “That’s something we’re working on now.”