Team Canada roster named

Hockey Canada named their roster today for the World Junior Championship tournament in Ottawa after Christmas.

12 WHLers among the 22 players on the team, so the western boys rule the team again. Six from the OHL, three from the QMJHL, and one from the NCAA round out the team. Both goalies are from the WHL, as well as four of the eight defencemen and six of the 12 forwards, so the WHL is very well represented at every position.

Only one 17 year old made the team, OHL defenceman Ryan Ellis. 13 of the other 21 players are 19 years old, and 8 players are 18 years old.

Interesting to see that Canada decided to go with 8 defencemen and 12 forwards rather than the 7 defencemen and 13 forwards they have used pretty much every year up til now. They must have some concerns about the defence if they want to be dressing four pairings every game. But, of the guys they have, there's 4 NHL first-round picks there and 2 second-round picks so there's some pretty big talents there. And Ellis is going to be a first-rounder next June too so you could say there's 5 first round picks on the blueline. What's to worry about?