CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada and the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced on Tuesday that defenceman Jesse Blacker (Toronto, Ont./Owen Sound, OHL) has been added to the National Junior Team selection camp roster, replacing Brandon Gormley (Murray River, P.E.I./Moncton, QMJHL), who will not be attending the camp due to an injury.

Blacker played for Team OHL in both victories over Russia in the CHL Subway Super Series in November, and is currently the third-highest scoring defencemen in the OHL. This will mark Blacker’s first opportunity with Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence.

A total of forty players will be attending the selection camp, including four goaltenders, 12 defencemen and 24 forwards.

Gormley sustained a knee injury while playing for the Moncton Wildcats just prior to the selection camp announcement. He was evaluated by doctors in Phoenix and will be unable to participate in the World Junior selection camp.

SELECTION CAMP INFORMATION

There will be two Red-White intrasquad games (December 12, 13) and one game against the Canadian University National Team (December 14). The team, made up of CIS players, will be representing Canada at the 2011 FISU Games in January 2011. Due to limited seating at the MasterCard Centre, accreditation (team, media, scouts) will be required for all practices and games. A select number of passes will be offered in a contest for Hockey Canada followers on its social media platforms. A draw for passes will occur on December 8.  For information on the draw, go to www.Facebook.com/HockeyCanada and www.twitter.com/HockeyCanada.  

MEDIA ACCREDITATION FOR SELECTION CAMP: For media accreditation, media can register in advance by e-mailing [email protected] or [email protected]. Media accreditation will also be available on-site for media with proper identification.Canada will play its first game of the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship on Boxing Day, December 26 versus Russia, a game that will be broadcast LIVE by TSN/RDS and on The FAN Radio Network (check local listings).

Canada has medaled at twelve straight IIHF World Junior Championships, including gold medal performances in 2005, 2006, 2007, 20, silver medals in 1999, 2002, 2003, 20 and bronze medals in 20.