MANNHEIM, Germany – Mark Messier, Canada’s general manager for the 2010 IIHF World Championship, along with head coach Craig MacTavish, announced a new captain for Canada at the world championship, which runs May 7-23 in Cologne and Mannheim, Germany.

Ray Whitney, 38, now will serve as captain for Canada at the IIHF World Championship for the first time, taking over for Ryan Smyth, who will miss the remainder of the tournament after suffering a foot injury earlier this week. Whitney (Fort Saskatchewan, Alta./Carolina, NHL), who was originally named an alternate captain on May 7, is taking part in his fourth world championship (1998, 1999, 2002, 2010).

The three other alternate captains will continue to serve in this capacity on a rotation basis: François Beauchemin (Sorel, Que./Toronto, NHL), Corey Perry (Peterborough, Ont./ Anaheim, NHL) and Steven Stamkos (Unionville, Ont./Tampa Bay, NHL).

Canada has registered 22 players, including Smyth, for the 2010 IIHF World Championship.  At the conclusion of the preliminary round on Wednesday, Canada can register up to 25 players on its final roster, but only 22 players, including two goaltenders, can be dressed for each game.

Messier is joined on the management staff by Hockey Canada director of men’s national teams Scott Salmond, Doug Risebrough, Michel Goulet and Doug Messier.

Canada’s coaching staff is comprised of head coach Craig MacTavish (London, Ont.), associate coach Peter DeBoer (Dunnville, Ont./Florida, NHL) and assistant coach Billy Moores (Edmonton, Alta./Edmonton, NHL)

After wins over Italy and Latvia to open the tournament, Canada concludes the preliminary round on Wednesday against Switzerland. TSN/RDS will be broadcasting all of Canada’s games at the 2010 IIHF World Championship. Check local listings for times in your area.