In 1972 our nation watched as Canada battled Russia in the now famous Summit Series, over the years these two hockey power houses have had a number of classic battles, they'll write another chapter next week when the 2012 Canada-Russia Challenge begins across the Atlantic.

Moose Jaw Warrior Morgan Rielly is one of nine WHL'ers looking to lead Canada to victory, today he's in Toronto for the first of two days of practice before they head overseas.

This four game series is being used by Hockey Canada to identify players for the 2013 World Junior Championships, as well it's paying tribute to the 40th anniversary of the 1972 Summit Series.

Rielly was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs fifth overall back in June, he attended their prospect camp last month, and says he's been working hard since then to prepare for this upcoming series.  "I've been in the gym almost every day, I've been on the ice three times a week.  I've been trying to eat right and trying to create some pretty good habits and just trying to get stronger."

Rielly has battled Russia in the past, he was apart of Canada's Under 18 team last year that took part in the Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament.  He says the intensity always seems to get amped up when these old rivals battle on the ice.  "All I can really saw about it is that it's two strong hockey countries who don't really like each other too much and are always trying to win.  We're going to do anything we can to win and I know they're going to do anything they can to win, I'm sure after the first couple of games it'll get heated."

"I've had the chance to play against them (Russia) a few times at the Under 18's and it's always a good battle," added Rielly.  "To have the opportunity to play in this challenge will certainly be a cool experience and I'm sure it'll be pretty heated."

This challenge comes on the 40th anniversary of the Summit Series, Rielly says all the players know about that historic event, adding that they did a little extra homework to get themselves ready.  "The coaching staff emailed all the guys a few clips and a couple quotes to have a look at, we've all done that and we're pretty pumped up about it.  I think we all have a pretty good understanding about what's at stake and how we need to prepare."

The series opens in Russia August 9th and 10th, it shifts to Canada for the final two games which will be August 13th and 14th in Halifax.

Listed below is the players from the WHL taking part;

Goalie:
Laurent Brossoit, Edmonton Oil Kings

Defence:
Mathew Dumba, Red Deer Rebels
Morgan Rielly, Moose Jaw Warriors
Griffin Reinhart, Edmonton Oil Kings
Ryan Murray, Everett Silvertips

Forwards:
Hunter Shinkaruk, Medicine Hat Tigers
Lukas Sutter, Saskatoon Blades
Ty Rattie, Portland Winterhawks
Brendan Leipsic, Portland Winterhawks