It's not the post-season that Kyle Turris or Marc Methot were probably hoping for, but there will be something beyond game eighty-two for at least two Ottawa players, with Turris and Methot accepting Hockey Canada's nomination to join the team in Minsk, Belarus.
The tournament will run from May 9th to May 25th. From the TSN release:
Edmonton Oilers forward David Perron, Ottawa Senators forward Kyle Turris and Vancouver Canucks defenceman Kevin Bieksa have all accepted Hockey Canada's invitation to play at the 2014 World Hockey Championship.Oilers forwards Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle have all been asked to join the team and are still determining if they will participate in the tournament.
Perron has appeared in 77 games this season for the Oilers and has 28 goals and 29 assists. He also has 86 penalty minutes and a minus-16 rating.
Turris has played 80 games for the Senators this season and has contributed 25 goals and 31 assists, he is also a plus-22 rating.
Bieksa in 75 games this season for the Canucks has four goals and 20 assists.
God. Is there anything more depressing than writing about the World Championships in mid-April?
Either way, it's a good look for Turris. He's a great player who really came into his own last year, and I think there's an argument to be made that he was the team's best forward this season.
Methot had a bit more of a disappointing season, but nice to see Hockey Canada tab him as well.
Hopefully next season, both of these guys won't be available for participation.
Thanks for reading!