Former Edmonton Oiler Sam Gagner leads a group of 14 forwards, nine defenceman, and three goalies who will represent Canada at the Spengler Cup in Switzerland this year.
Gagner is one of seven players on the roster with previous Team Canada experience, and one of three who previously represented the country at the World Juniors. The other two are defenceman Madison Bowey, and forward Charles Hudon.
Philip-Michael Devos, Jonathan Hazen, and Josh Jooris are the only three returning players from last year’s squad, which lost 4-3 in the semi-finals to HC Dynamo Pardubice. Hazen was one of two Team Canada players named to the tournament All-Star team.
“All of the players named today are extremely excited to represent their country and wear the Maple Leaf as they compete at the Spengler Cup,” co-General Manager Brad Pascall said in a press release. “Our management group feels we have a good mix of experienced players with a wealth of skill and leadership. This is a unique and exciting tournament, and we know these players will embrace the challenge in front of them.”
The roster includes goaltenders Dylan Ferguson, Colten Ellis, and Antoine Bibeau, defencemen Tomas Gregoire, Layton Ahac, Kodie Curran, Noel Hoefenmayer, Colton White, Madison Bowey, Jonathan Aspirot, Matt Irwin, and Mac Hollowell, and forwards Daniel Carr, Philip-Michael Devos, Tanner Fritz, Logan Shaw, Manix Landry, Curtis McKenzie, Joseph Carroll, Jonathan Hazen, Charles Hudon, Phillippe Maillet, Brett Seney, Brandon Coe, Josh Jooris, and Sam Gagner.
Canada opens the tournament on Boxing Day against hosts HC Davos. They will also face the DEL’s Straubing Tigers in pool play before the playoff round. The tournament runs from Dec. 26-31.