CALGARY – Mark Messier, Canada's general manager for the upcoming World Championship, announced the first group of 15 players that will represent Canada at the World Championship.

“Our philosophy going into the World Championship this year was to build a young talented team that is excited to have a chance to represent their country,” said Messier. “We are very proud of the enthusiasm and excitement that the players have shown when informed of their selection. The World Championship is a tremendous opportunity for these young players to gain experience at the international level.”

Messier is expected to fill the roster once the first round of the NHL playoffs comes to an end.

Canada’s preliminary roster includes one goaltender, five defencemen and nine forwards. The roster is highlighted by a member of Canada’s gold medal-winning team at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games (Perry), and 12 players with international experience. Eight of these 12 players with international experience have won gold medals with Canada at previous international competitions. Only François Beauchemin, René Bourque and Rich Peverley will be representing Canada in international competition for the first time. Seven players (Downie, Kane, Ott, Perry, Russell, Staal, Tavares) have represented Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship, but will be taking part in their first IIHF World Championship.

In addition, Messier announced that forward Jordan Eberle has been invited to attend the team’s pre-competition camp from May 2-6 in Hamburg, Germany. Eberle played for Canada at the two past World U20 Championships, and just completed his season with Springfield, the AHL affiliate of Edmonton. Canada will play an exhibition game against Germany in Hamburg on May 4.

Canada’s first group of players

Goalkeepers: Chris Mason (St. Louis).

Defenceman: François Beauchemin (Toronto), Brent Burns (Minnesota), Mark Giordano (Calgary), Kris Russell (Columbus), Marc Staal (New York Rangers).

Forwards: René Bourque (Calgary), Steve Downie (Tampa Bay), Evander Kane (Atlanta), Steve Ott (Dallas), Corey Perry (Anaheim), Rich Peverly (Atlanta), Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay), John Tavares (New York Islanders), Ray Whitney (Carolina).