Seattle Thunderbirds center Jim O’Brien and defenseman Thomas Hickey will get a chance to represent their countries in the 2009 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship tournament from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

O’Brien, an American citizen who played collegiately at the University of Minnesota, will play in the tourney for the U.S. team. O’Brien, who was drafted 27th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2007 National Hockey League draft, has played 26 games for the Thunderbirds this season and has 10 goals and 16 assists.

“I am really excited and honored to be selected to Team USA,” O’Brien said in a press release. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to represent my country.”

Hickey, a Canadian citizen, was invited to Team Canada’s National Junior Selection Camp. The four-day camp features a roster of 38 players which will be whittled down to the 22-man tournament roster. Hickey, who was selected fourth overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2007 NHL draft, won a gold medal with Team Canada in the 2008 World Junior Championship. Hickey has appeared in 22 games with the Thunderbirds this season and has six goals and nine assists.

“As a returning member of the Canadian team Thomas will be counted on to play a major role,” Thunderbirds general manager Russ Farwell said. “He always leads by example and will give them both leadership and consistent play as they defend the gold medal.”

The Thunderbirds will begin play in their new home, Kent’s Showare Center, beginning Jan. 4. Tickets from Jan. 4 until the end of the season are currently on sale at the Thunderbirds Web site at www.seattlethunderbirds.com.