EDMONTON, Alta. – Kirby Dach (Fort Saskatchewan, Alta./Chicago, NHL) will wear the ‘C’ as captain of Canada’s National Junior Team at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton, Dec. 25-Jan. 5.

2020 World Juniors gold medallists Bowen Byram (Cranbrook, B.C./Vancouver, WHL) and Dylan Cozens (Whitehorse, Y.T./Lethbridge, WHL) will serve alongside Dach as alternate captains.

“These three players are all leaders in their own right who have the respect of their teammates. Kirby has set a standard for himself through his commitment and determination, which is a great example for the others on our team,” said head coach André Tourigny (Nicolet, Que./Ottawa, OHL). “He has a strong desire to represent his country. Bowen and Dylan are veterans who know what it takes to win at this tournament, and their voices will be important in our leadership group.”

Esso, a premier marketing partner of Hockey Canada since 1984, is sponsoring this year’s captain’s announcement and will also recognize them in next season’s Esso Medals and Certificates of Achievement program. The program celebrates the journeys of young players who inspire others and make everyone around them better.

Canada named its 25-player roster last Friday in advance of the start of the tournament on Christmas Day. Canada is in Group A with Finland, Germany, Slovakia and Switzerland. Group B is comprised of Austria, the Czech Republic, Russia, Sweden and the United States.

Christmas Day features three games before Canada kicks opens defence of its gold medal on Boxing Day against Germany at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast all 28 tournament games, as well as all 10 pre-tournament games starting Dec. 20. TSN Radio will also provide comprehensive tournament coverage, including all Team Canada pre-tournament and tournament games through to the gold medal game.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Junior Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook and Twitter and Twitter.com/HC_WJC.