After two evaluation games versus Belarus and Czech Republic, the management staff of Team Canada has made the final decisions on this year’s roster.
Two forwards and two defencemen were cut to get the roster down to to the regulation 23-player unit.
Nick Merkley (F) was clearly one of the players in danger of losing a spot, as he was scratched in the first game versus Belarus on Saturday and the 13th forward on Sunday. The first-round pick of the Arizona Coyotes will head back to the WHL and rejoin the Kelowna Rockets
Jayce Hawryluk (F), was cut after limited action in the tune-up games, as well. He will return to the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings.
Jeremy Lauzon (D) was one of just four skaters from the QMJHL to survive until these last cuts were made. The Boston Bruins selection sits third in scoring for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.
Lone Canadiens prospect Noah Juulsen (D) was among the final cuts, unable to impress the brass enough to earn a spot on the final roster. There’s no shame in being the last defenceman cut from Team Canada, although it’s surely a frustrating situation for Juulsen.
The finalized roster will play one more pre-competition game on Wednesday versus Sweden. The tournament officially kicks off on Boxing Day when Canada takes on Auston Matthews and Team USA.
