Morgan Rielly named to Team Canada’s selection camp – Percy omitted

And this morning came the much-anticipated announcement of Canada’s World Junior squad selection camp roster. Specifically, we at TLN were looking for Toronto Maple Leafs on the roster. As expected, Morgan Rielly was named to the camp roster as a defenceman and Stuart Percy, who has been captaining the Mississauga Steelheads, was not.

I fully expect Rielly to make the squad, barring injury, and he will likely skate on Canada’s top pairing, especially now that fellow left shot Ryan Murray is out due to injury. Also note Dougie Hamilton, who may even skate on a pairing with Rielly, and will look good for the sole purpose of trolling Leaf fans. Matt Finn was also left off, but he’ll get his shot next year.

As for other countries (the Leafs have prospects in more places but Canada) Tom Nilsson, the Leafs selection in 2011’s 4th round, was named to Sweden’s roster. Chris Peters of the United States of Hockey forecasts Tyler Biggs to be a forward on Team U.S.A. and an injury last week to Kitchener Rangers’ goalie John Gibson could open up a spot for Guelph’s Garret Sparks to play.

Anyway, Canada’s camp will run December 11 through December 15 in Calgary. The final roster should be named a little after that, enough time for the players to fly out to Ufa. Canada may take as many as eight defenders to Russia because that’s where the bulk of their talent comes from. Tournament starts on boxing day.