Roster announcements are being made for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey today, and the second last team off the board is Canada. Canada named the first 16 players on their squad, with 7 more to come on June 1st.
World Cup Announcements: Canada Roster Deep and Talented
Coming off back to back Olympic Gold Medals, everyone expects this Canadian roster to be as deep and talented as the team taken to Sochi.
In goal, Carey Price is back to lead the way. His goaltender of the tournament performance in Sochi cannot be questioned and while he’s missed much of this season due to a knee injury, he should be ready to go in September. Bradon Holtby and Corey Crawford have proven their value in leading two of the best teams in the NHL this season, and will be ready to go if Price’s injury lingers.
On defence there is Duncan Keith, Drew Doughty, Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Shea Weber. All four defenders were part of the Sochi team. There of course continues to be questions around whether or not P.K. Subban will make the final 23 man roster. As a former Norris winner, and a two-time Norris Trophy nominee; as well as being top 5 in assists this season, and a proven possession driver, it is a little unclear why these questions persist.
Up front the usual names of Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews, John Tavares, Jamie Benn, and Ryan Getzlaf are joined by newcomers Steven Stamkos (named to the Sochi team but injured), and Tyler Seguin.
The Roster shapes up as follows.
G Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks
G Braden Holtby, Washington Capitals
G Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens
D Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings
D Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks
D Marc-Edouard Vlasic, San Jose Sharks
D Shea Weber, Nashville Predators
F Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars
F Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins
F Jeff Carter, Los Angeles Kings
F Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
F Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks
F Tyler Seguin, Dallas Stars
F Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning
F John Tavares, New York Islanders
F Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks
Main Photo: SOCHI: FEBRUARY 23, 2014 –Carey Price (L), Dan Hamhuis and Jonathan Toews (R) of Team Canada celebrate their hockey gold medal win against Sweden at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games, February 23, 2014. Photo by Jean Levac/Postmedia News
