THE CANADIAN PRESS
Craig Hartsburg wasted no time choosing his Canadian junior hockey team.
The head coach released 13 players today, leaving the team with the 22-man roster it will take to the Czech Republic for the world junior championship later this month.
The camp started a day later than last year and Hartsburg named the team a day earlier after just two practices and two intrasquad games.
Star forward John Tavares of the Oshawa Generals, who was cut last year, made the team this time around.
Quebec Remparts forward Angelo Esposito was cut for the third straight year.
Goaltender Leland Irving of the Everett Silvertips, who backed up Carey Price last year, was also among the cuts.
Goalie Tyson Sexsmith of the Vancouver Giants was also let go.
Defencemen sent home were Keaton Ellerby of the Moose Jaw Warriors, Ty Wishart of the Prince George Cougars, Andrew Bodnarchuk of the Halifax Mooseheads, Brendan Smith of the University of Wisconsin and Kevin Marshall of the Lewiston Maineiacs.
Other forwards released were Zach Hamill of the Everett Silvertips, Mathieu Perreault of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, Dana Tyrell of the Prince George Cougars, Brett MacLean of the Oshawa Generals and Ryan White of the Calgary Hitmen.
Canada opens the tournament Dec. 26 in Pardubice, Czech Republic. The team leaves for Europe on Friday.
Canada won its third straight gold medal last year.