Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa has been named to Team Europe’s initial roster for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, it was announced Wednesday.
Hossa, 37, hasn’t played since suffering an apparent left leg injury Feb. 13 against the Anaheim Ducks. He is expected to return as early as Sunday against Detroit at the United Center. He has 10 goals and 18 assists in 53 games this season.
The Slovakian has played in 14 international tournaments for Slovakia, dating back to 1997. He has played in three Olympics, but did not participate in the 2014 Games.
Team Europe announces initial roster for World Cup of Hockey 2016, feat. players representing 7 countries. #WCH2016 pic.twitter.com/V0GYNIkv9G
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 2, 2016
Here’s a look at what Team Europe will be wearing at the World Cup of Hockey. #WCH2016 https://t.co/t9ifQVeUEfhttps://t.co/5bsuUDGkO9
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 2, 2016
This year’s World Cup of Hockey, which represents the event’s return after a hiatus, is set for September and will be held in Toronto. The format is slightly modified from the past World Cup tournaments, with six national teams and two special “all-star teams” participating.
The eight teams that will compete this year are the United States, Canada, Sweden, Finland, Russia and the Czech Republic, plus Team Europe and Under-23 Team North America.
Here is when the different teams will announce their initial 16-man rosters:
Team North America: 5:15 p.m. ET on SportsNet’s Hockey Central
Team Canada: 6:05 p.m. ET on SportsNet’s Hockey Central
Team USA: 6:45 p.m. ET on ESPN’s SportsCenter