Two Dogs Make Team Canada

Team Canada’s world junior team made their final cuts this morning in Calgary.

Sent home were defensemen Ryan Murphy, Joe Morrow, Alex Petrovic and Cody Ceci; goalies Tyler Bunz and Louis Domingue; and forwards Brett Bulmer, Christian Thomas, Max Reinhart, Tyler Toffoli, Brad Ross, Ty Rattie, Phillip Danault, and Phillip DiGiuseppe.

The two Sea Dogs remaining at the camp – defenseman Nathan Beaulieu and forward Jonathan Huberdeau – were not among the final cuts and have both been named to the squad that represent Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships later this month in Alberta.

Huberdeau’s status for the tournament is still unknown because of his recovery from a broken foot. Like Quinton Howden, who is suffering from concussion-like symptoms, he could be replaced if he isn’t ready to go for the tournament.

Beaulieu had a strong game last night against the CIS “All-Stars,” recording a goal and an assist. This morning’s news was a dream come true for Beaulieu.

“It’s a dream come true, now we all have one goal in mind, bringing Canada to its feet and winning a gold,” said Beaulieu, as tweeted by Josh Rimer.

Only two other players from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League made the team – Shawinigan Cataractes forward Michael Bournival and Moncton Wildcats defenseman Brandon Gormley. It looked as though Victoriaville Tigres forward Phillip Danault had made the team when a reporter tweeted that Tanner Pearson was the final cut. In the end, Danault proved to be the final one sent home.

Canada begins pre-tournament action on December 19 against Finland. Canada kicks off the tournament on Boxing Day.

Here is full roster:

Goalies -- Mark Visentin, Niagara, OHL (Phoenix); Scott Wedgewood, Plymouth, OHL (New Jersey).

Defense -- Nathan Beaulieu, Saint John, QMJHL (Montreal); Brandon Gormley, Moncton, QMJHL (Phoenix); Dougie Hamilton, Niagara, OHL (Boston); Scott Harrington, London, OHL (Pittsburgh); Ryan Murray, Everett, WHL (2012 draft eligible); Jamie Oleksiak, Saginaw, OHL (Dallas); Mark Pysyk, Edmonton, WHL (Buffalo).

Forwards -- Michael Bournival, Shawinigan, QMJHL (Montreal); Brendan Gallagher, Vancouver, WHL (Montreal); Freddie Hamilton, Niagara, OHL (San Jose); Quinton Howden, Moose Jaw, WHL (Florida); Jonathan Huberdeau, Saint John, QMJHL (Florida); Boone Jenner, Oshawa, OHL (Columbus); Tanner Pearson, Barrie, OHL (2012 draft eligible); Mark Scheifele, Barrie, OHL (Winnipeg); Jaden Schwartz, Colorado College, WCHA (St. Louis); Mark Stone, Brandon, WHL (Ottawa); Devante Smith-Pelly, Anaheim, NHL; Ryan Strome, Niagara, OHL (New York Islanders); Brett Connolly, Tampa Bay Lightning, NHL.