Wisconsin’s sophomore defenseman Cody Goloubef has been named to Team Canada for this year’s World Junior Championship, set to take place in Ottawa Dec. 26 and running through Jan. 5.

“It’s a real big deal in Canada,” Goloubef said of the World Juniors last week before the tryout. “It’s a very well-respected tournament, so it’s definitely going to be an honor to put that jersey on if I make the team.

The honor came just a week after Goloubef was named the WCHA Defensive Player of the Week following a two-goal weekend against the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves.

Goloubef and Badger teammate Brendan Smith both took part in a five-day tryout process in Ottawa starting last Thursday. For Smith, it was his second time trying out.

Goloubef will join fellow Badger Ryan McDonagh in the World Juniors. McDonagh was named earlier this month to Team U.S.A.

Because of the timing of the tournament, both players will miss two of UW’s home series, including the Badger Hockey Showdown Dec. 27-28 and a two-game tilt against Northern Michigan the following weekend.

Goloubef knows that with two defenseman gone, it will allow some of the other Badgers a chance to get some playing time.

“Everybody can play,” he said, “so it’s going to be a good opportunity for everybody to get some ice time.”