Today, Hockey Canada announced their full 22-man roster for the IIHF World Championships which begin on March 10 in Slovakia. They had the chance to just go with a minimum 15 skaters and two goalies and hold open positions for early second-round playoff exits, but with a lot of talent to choose from, they’ve selected a full slate. The full roster gets submitted just before the tournament begins so substitutions can happen when necessary.
John Tavares joins an experienced group that also includes four interesting rookies to international play and many returning stars and previous winners. The group skews younger than it often is, and looks like an exciting team to watch.
The player selections were made by Jason Botterill, Ron Francis and Ron Hextall, along with Tom Renney, chief executive officer with Hockey Canada, Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer with Hockey Canada, in consultation with the coaching staff that includes head coach Alain Vigneault and assistant coaches Dave Hakstol, Kirk Muller and Lindy Ruff.
As in previous years, the team will hold training camp in Europe, in Vienna, and will play at least one pre-tournament friendly against Austria.
The Roster
Forwards
Sean Couturier
Adam Henrique
Dylan Strome
Kyle Turris
John Tavares
Mathieu Joseph
Sam Reinhart
Anthony Mantha
Tyler Bertuzzi
Mark Stone
Anthony Cirelli
Jonathan Marchessault
Defenders
Dante Fabbro
Darnell Nurse
Shea Theodore
Damon Severson
Troy Stecher
Brandon Montour
Thomas Chabot
Goaltenders
MacKenzie Blackwood
Matt Murray
Carter Hart
