SOFIA, Bulgaria -- Trine's Alex Todd is set to lead the South African Senior National Team in this week's International Ice Hockey Foundation World Championship in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Todd is the head coach of the South African team. He evaluated and selected a roster of 20 players (18 skaters, two goaltenders), then guided the team through a one week training camp in Johannesburg prior to coaching the team in this week's World Championship. The team opened play with a 6-5 loss to Georgia on Monday.

The South African Senior National Team consists of players between the ages of 18 and 38, representing the highest level of hockey in the country. The roster includes a player with professional experience in Croatia as well as a current and former NCAA Division III hockey player.

The winner of the tournament receives a IIHF Gold Medal and earns the right to advance to the Division II level of international competition. In addition to South Africa, participating teams include Bulgaria, Georgia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates and Luxemboug.

Todd's experience with the South African team adds to his growing pedigree of international coaching experience. He previously helped lead Team USA to a gold medal in the Under-17 Five Nations Tournament in 2016. Todd also served as an assistant for Team USA at the Ivan Hlinka Tournament in 2013, when he helped guide the team to a silver medal.

Todd was named the first head coach of Trine's Division III men's ice hockey program. The Thunder will begin competition as a member of the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association in 2017-18.

The 46,200-square-foot, 700-seat Thunder Ice Arena will serve as the home for Trine's Division III men's ice hockey team, as well as the school's ACHA Division II and women's Division III programs. All three teams will begin competition in 2017-18. To view the arena's construction webcam, please follow THIS LINK.