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Dach, the third overall pick in the 2019 NHL entry draft, was not part of last year’s Canadian gold-medal winning side as Chicago decided not loan him to the juniors for the annual tournament.
“Kirby was excited to represent Canada and captain our team at the 2021 IIHF world junior championship, and our players, coaches and staff are all disappointed he will not be able to participate this year,” Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of national teams with Hockey Canada, said on Thursday in a statement.
“We recognize Kirby’s commitment and leadership and know how eager he was for the opportunity to proudly represent his country at the world juniors. He was dedicated to his role as captain and contributing to defending our gold medal. We wish Kirby the best and hope for a quick recovery as he looks ahead to getting back on the ice with Chicago.”
Without Dach Canada coach Andre Tourigny will now have to alter his forward lines for his team’s opener against Germany on Dec. 26.
As for the captaincy, it is likely that either forward Dylan Cozens or defenceman Bowen Byram, both alternate captains and returning skaters, will wear the ‘C’.
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