CALGARY – Hockey Canada filled out its World Championship roster with 23 players on Saturday. Ryan Smyth will represent Canada for the first time since the 2006 Olympics while all other additions are younger than 26.
Canada General Manager Mark Messier added seven players with goalkeeper Chad Johnson, defencemen Kyle Cumiskey, Michael Del Zotto, Tyler Myers, and forwards Matt Duchene, Brooks Laich and Ryan Smyth.
The roster now includes two goalkeepers, eight defencemen, twelve forwards and Jordan Eberle as an alternate player who could be added to the active roster at a later date.
The team will convene in Hamburg on May 2 for a four-day pre-camp and one exhibition game, on May 4 against Germany. Canada’s first game at the 2010 IIHF World Championship is on May 8 vs. Italy in Mannheim. The official roster does not have to be submitted until May 7, and players can be added after the preliminary round up to a maximum of 25 players.
Canada’s 23-man roster
Goalkeepers: Chad Johnson (New York Rangers), Chris Mason (St. Louis Blues).
Defencemen: François Beauchemin (Toronto Maple Leafs), Brent Burns (Minnesota Wild), Kyle Cumiskey (Colorado Avalanche), Michael Del Zotto (New York Rangers), Mark Giordano (Calgary Flames), Tyler Myers (Buffalo Sabres), Kris Russell (Columbus Blue Jackets), Marc Staal (New York Rangers).
Forwards: Rene Bourque (Calgary Flames), Steve Downie (Tampa Bay Lightning), Matthew Duchene (Colorado Avalanche), Evander Kane (Atlanta Thrashers), Brooks Laich (Washington Capitals), Steve Ott (Dallas Stars), Corey Perry (Anaheim Ducks), Rich Peverley (Atlanta Thrashers), Ryan Smyth (Los Angeles Kings), Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay Lightning), John Tavares (New York Islanders ), Ray Whitney (Carolina Hurricanes). Alternate: Jordan Eberle (Regina Pats, WHL).