Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Valparaiso University sophomore forward Shawn Huff has been playing as a member of the Finnish National Team in qualifications for the 2006 European Championships.

Huff, a native of Vantaa, Finland, joins former Crusader Antti Nikkila on the 12-player roster that recently completed a six-game exhibition run against Sweden, Estonia, Italy, Ireland and a pair of games against Slovakia, the defending World Champions. Huff is the only member of the team not currently playing professionally.

The team begins pool play September 3 when they host the Georgian National Team. Pool play concludes with games at Luxembourg and at Macedonia. The Finnish team is trying to qualify for a spot in the 2006 European Championships and then earn a place in the 2008 Olympic Games.

Huff will be with the team for all three of their qualification games and return to the United States September 12.