Ottawa Senators contingent headlines Canada roster for world championship

Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot (72) celebrates his goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning with right wing Drake Batherson (19) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (Chris O'Meara/AP Photo)

CALGARY — The Ottawa Senators will be well-represented when Canada competes at the upcoming 2022 World Hockey Championship.

Senators forward Drake Batherson and defencemen Thomas Chabot and Nick Holden were named to the team's 24-player roster released Monday by Hockey Canada.

The Ottawa trio will join Senators head coach D.J. Smith, who is an assistant on Claude Julien's staff for the tournament that kicks off Friday in Tampere and Helsinki, Finland.

The New Jersey Devils also have three players on the roster: forward Dawson Mercer and defencemen Damon Severson and Ryan Graves.

Winnipeg forwards Pierre-Luc Dubois and Adam Lowry, Montreal forward Josh Anderson and New York Islanders centre Mathew Barzal are also on the roster.

Anaheim forward Max Comtois is the lone player returning from Canada's 2021 championship-winning team, though Barzal, Chabot, Dubois and Severson bring previous world championship experience.

Canada will open its quest for its 28th world championship gold medal against Germany on Friday.

"We are thrilled to unveil the 24 players who will wear the Maple Leaf in Finland and take on the challenge of defending last year's gold medal," Canada general manager Shane Doan said in a release. "Our roster combines veteran experience and young talent, along with a number of players who have previously played for Canada on the international stage and some who will have their first opportunity to represent our country.

"We know the entire group is excited for this opportunity, and we look forward to gathering in Finland and competing for another gold medal."

Canada:

Forward -- Josh Anderson, Burlington, Ont., Montreal (NHL); Mathew Barzal, Coquitlam, B.C., New York Islanders (NHL); Drake Batherson, New Minas, N.S., Ottawa (NHL); Max Comtois, Longueuil, Que., Anaheim (NHL); Dylan Cozens, Whitehorse, Buffalo (NHL); Pierre-Luc Dubois, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Que., Winnipeg (NHL); Morgan Geekie, Strathclair, Man., Seattle (NHL); Noah Gregor, Beaumont, Alta., San Jose (NHL); Kent Johnson, Port Moody, B.C., Columbus (NHL); Adam Lowry, Calgary, Winnipeg (NHL); Dawson Mercer, Bay Roberts, N.L., New Jersey (NHL); Eric O'Dell, Ottawa, Dynamo Moscow (KHL); Nicolas Roy, Amos, Que., Vegas (NHL); Cole Sillinger, Regina, Columbus (NHL);

Defence -- Thomas Chabot, Sainte-Marie-de-Beauce, Que., Ottawa (NHL); Ryan Graves, Yarmouth, N.S., New Jersey (NHL); Nick Holden, St. Albert, Alta., Ottawa; (NHL); Dysin Mayo, Victoria, Arizona (NHL); Travis Sanheim, Elkhorn, Man., Philadelphia (NHL); Damon Severson, Melville, Sask., New Jersey (NHL); Zach Whitecloud, Brandon, Man., Vegas (NHL).

Goal -- Chris Driedger, Winnipeg, Seattle (NHL); Logan Thompson, Calgary, Vegas (NHL); Matt Tomkins, Sherwood Park, Alta., Frölunda HC (SHL).

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 9, 2022.