Charl Pretorius ’19 Named to South African National Team for 2019 IIHF World Championship
ELMIRA, N.Y. — Elmira College goaltender Charl Pretorius ’19 has once again been selected to represent his native country international stage, as the EC senior will suit up for the South African senior team at the 2019 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship Division III in Bulgaria from April 22-28.
Pretorius returns to the IIHF World Championship for the fourth consecutive year as a member of the senior team. He was named the most outstanding goalie at last year’s tournament, which was held in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2018, he led all netminders with multiple appearances by logging a 2.64 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage in four games. His performances included a 20-save shutout against Hong Kong, plus an impressive 50 saves in a 4-2 victory over Georgia.
His extensive background with the senior team also includes a bronze medal finish in 2016, following his freshman campaign at EC.
The Pretoria, South Africa, native wrapped up his collegiate career this season with the Purple and Gold. The 6-foot-tall goalie went 1-1 with a 2.20 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage, earning a win with 18 saves in an 11-1 rout of King’s College (Pa.) on January 18. For his career, Pretorius made 233 saves in eight games with the Soaring Eagles.
At this year’s tournament, Pretorius and the South African senior team will compete against teams from Bulgaria, Luxemburg, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Taipei. The Republic of South Africa will begin action on Monday, April 22, against Bulgaria.
For more information on the 2019 IIHF World Championship Division III, please click here. Fans can also find more information on the South African national team by visiting www.saihf.com.
