MANHEIM, Germany – Hockey Canada announced on Monday a roster change for Canada’s National Men’s Team at the 2010 IIHF World Championship.

Ryan Smyth (Banff, Alta./Los Angeles Kings, NHL), a veteran of eight IIHF World Championships and Canada’s captain this year for the sixth time, has been forced out of this year’s event due to a foot injury.

“It’s unfortunate that Ryan can’t continue in this tournament,” says Mark Messier, Team Canada’s general manager. “As everyone knows, Ryan is Captain Canada and has had a huge impact on this team, especially with our younger players.”

Smyth’s departure leaves Canada’s roster at 21 players, which includes two goaltenders, eight defencemen and 11 forwards. The team also includes alternate Jordan Eberle (Regina, Sask./Edmonton Oilers, NHL). 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 and head coach Craig MacTavish haven’t yet named a captain to replace Smyth. The team has four alternate captains: François Beauchemin (Sorel, Que./Toronto Maple Leafs, NHL), Corey Perry (Peterborough, Ont./Anaheim Ducks, NHL), Steven Stamkos (Unionville, Ont./Tampa Bay Lightning, NHL) and Ray Whitney (Fort Saskatchewan, Alta./Carolina Hurricanes, NHL).

Canada, which defeated Italy 5-1 on Saturday, continues preliminary-round play on Monday with a game against Latvia at 2:15 p.m. ET, which can be seen on TSN and RDS. Canada will face Switzerland on Wednesday (2:15 p.m. ET, TSN/RDS).