SARNIA, ON - Forward Dana Antal, of Esterhazy, SK, suffered a knee injury in Canada's 10-0 victory over Germany on Wednesday, March 29th in Kitchener, ON and will miss the upcoming 2000 IIHF Women's World Hockey Championship from April 3-9 in Mississauga, ON, the Canadian Hockey Association announced on Thursday.

Antal injured her left knee during the 3rd period of Canada's first exhibition game. The injury was reassessed on Thursday and it was determined at that time that the 23 year old winger had torn her
anterior cruciate ligament. Antal will remain with the team for the duration of the tournament.

Canada has been training in Sarnia, ON since March 26th, as head coach Melody Davidson and assistant coaches Karen Hughes and Wally Kozak, put the team through two practices a day.

"It is very difficult to lose Dana at this point, " said Davidson. "Dana was very much looking forward to her first World Championship and we have no doubt that she would have had a great tournament. However, it's a testament to the depth and strength of our program that we are able to add a player of Amanda's ability in place of Dana. Amanda played at the Worlds last year and is coming off a very successful club season."

Benoit was a member of Canada's gold medal winning National Women's Team at the 1999 World Women's Hockey Championship, tallying 1 goal and 2 assists in 5 games. The 24 year old has just completed a championship season with the Beatrice Aeros, winning the Esso National Women's Hockey Championship. She will be joining the team in Sarnia, ON in time for the team's morning practice on Friday.

Canada faces Sweden in it's second and final tune-up game on Saturday, April 1st in Sarnia, ON.