CALGARY, AB - Edmonton Oilers defenseman Steve Staios was added to Canada's Men's World Championship roster on Wednesday, announced Team Canada General Manager Lanny McDonald, along with Assistant GM Doug Armstrong and Head Coach Wayne Fleming.

Also, General Manager McDonald announced that Dallas Stars' defenseman Darryl Sydor had to leave the team in Sweden on Tuesday to fly back to Canada for a family emergency, and will not return for the Championship.

Staios, 28, played 73 games for the Edmonton Oilers during the 2001-2002 season, registering 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) and finished 2nd on the Oilers in penalty minutes with 108. Staios scored 9-13-22 in 70 games with the Atlanta Thrashers in 2000-2001, establishing single-season individual highs, and was second in scoring among Atlanta defensemen. This is Staios' first international experience.

Canada's roster continues to stand at 19 players (2 goaltenders, 6 defensemen and 11 forwards). Additional players will be named to Team Canada by GM McDonald at the conclusion of the 1st round of the National Hockey League's playoffs.

Canada's first game at the 2002 IIHF World Hockey Championship will take place in Karlstad, Sweden, this Saturday, April 27 versus Latvia. This year's World Championship in Sweden will be played in three locations: Karlstad, Gothenburg and Jonkoping, with the final round to be played in Gothenburg. Canada is in a preliminary round group with: Latvia, Italy and the USA.

All of Canada's games will be broadcast live on TSN/RDS, the official broadcaster of the CHA. Check local listings for local start times.