December 22, 2013 - 2:33 PM
COPENHAGEN - Hockey Canada and the Canadian Hockey League made their final roster cuts on Sunday ahead of the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Forwards Felix Girard of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's Baie-Comeau Drakkar and Hunter Shinkaruk of the Western Hockey League's Medicine Hat Tigers, and defenceman Damon Severson of the WHL's Kelowna Rockets have all been released.
Canada's roster is now at 22 players for the international tournament, including two goaltenders, seven defencemen and 13 forwards.
Canada has played two if its three pre-tournament games, falling to Sweden 3-0 earlier Sunday in Angelholm, Sweden, after defeating Finland 4-2 on Dec. 20. Its final exhibition contest will take place on Dec. 23 against Switzerland.
The World Junior Championship tournament starts Dec. 26, with Canada facing Germany.
Canada's goaltenders are Jake Paterson of the Ontario Hockey League's Saginaw Spirit and Zachary Fucale of the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads.
The defenceman are Adam Pelech, Chris Bigras, Aaron Ekblad, Josh Morrissey, Griffin Reinhart, Derrick Pouliot, and Mathew Dumba.
Canada's forwards are Charles Hudon, Bo Horvat, Taylor Leier, Kerby Rychel, Connor McDavid, Nic Petan, Scott Laughton, Frederik Gauthier, Sam Reinhart, Josh Anderson, Curtis Lazar, Jonathan Drouin and Anthony Mantha.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2013