CANMORE – Canmore defenceman Jacob Bernard-Docker is suiting up for Canada at 2021 IIHF World Championships in Riga, Latvia starting Friday (May 21).
Canada's 25-man roster was announced on May 14, and the 20-year-old Ottawa Senator was added shortly after replacing an injured Kevin Bahl.
“Our roster combines veteran leadership with a lot of young talent, and we are excited for a number of players who have the opportunity to represent their country for the first time," said Team Canada's general manager, Roberto Luongo, in a press release.
UPDATE | Jacob Bernard-Docker has been added to the 🇨🇦 roster for #IIHFWorlds. He replaces Kevin Bahl, who is unable to participate due to injury.
— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) May 14, 2021
ROSTER ➡️ https://t.co/2DjfHrs1hD pic.twitter.com/G1VX7swQ5P
In April, Bernard-Docker signed an entry-level deal and made his NHL debut with the Senators. He finished the 2020-21 season with five NHL games under his belt.
On May 13, the young defenceman said he was headed back to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where he played university hockey, to pick up his gear after abruptly leaving to go to Ottawa.
Bernard-Docker will have to reschedule his move-out date until after June 6, when the IIHF tournament ends.
The IIHF world champs is not the first time Bernard-Docker will dress for the Great White North in an international showdown. In 2020, he won gold at the World Juniors, logging in crucial ice time in the final 90 seconds on the tense 4-3 comeback against Russia.
Bernard-Docker and his IIHF teammates open the tournament Friday against Latvia at 11 a.m. MST.
TSN is broadcasting Canada's game.
