December 21, 2001
NR.119

CANADA BOLSTERS ROSTER FOR 2001 SPENGLER CUP

CALGARY, AB - Canada's National Men's Team announced on Friday additions to Canada's roster that will compete at the annual Spengler Cup championship, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, held December 26-31, 2001 at the Davos Arena in Davos, Switzerland.

Players currently playing in the American Hockey League and NHL that will join Canada include forwards Blair Betts (Calgary Flames) and Jamie Wright (Calgary Flames) along with defensemen Steve Montador (Calgary Flames), Christian Chartier (Toronto Maple Leafs), and Ryan Bonni (Vancouver Canucks. Also joining Canada for the championship will be goaltenders Patrick DesRochers (Phoenix Coyotes) and Sebastien Centomo (Toronto Maple Leafs).

Three of the seven players added to Canada's roster have played in the NHL this season. Forward Jamie Wright has played in 17 games with the NHL's Flames, netting two goals and three assists while adding four penalty minutes and his Flames' teammate Steve Montador dressed for two games, tallying two assists and five penalty minutes. Meanwhile, Phoenix's Patrick Desrochers has been between the pipes for the Coyotes three times, posting a 0-1-1 record with a 2.44 goals against average.

Associate Coach/General Manager Mike Pelino will lead Canada behind the bench for the Spengler Cup, and will be joined by assistant coaches Larry Huras (Head Coach of 2000-2001 Swiss Elite League champions, Zurich Lions) and Mark MacGregor.

Canada's roster is primarily comprised of former NHLer's, current AHL players and former Canadian National team members now playing in Europe.

Pelino will assist media with any requests. He can be reached in Switzerland at 011 41 81 413 8181 for the duration of Canada's stay at the Spengler Cup.

In last year's Spengler Cup final, Canada lost 4-2 to Davos. This year they will open the tournament with a game against the 2000-2001 DEL (Germany) champions, Adler Manheim on December 26th. Other teams participating this year include TPS Turku (Finland), Sparta Prag (Czech Republic) and the host team from Davos.