Chris Pronger has withdrawn from the World Cup of Hockey, TSN has learned.
Sources told TSN that the big defenceman tweaked his previously injured right knee while training. Although the injury is not considered major, it is enough to force him to withdraw from the World Cup of Hockey, which starts August 31st for Team Canada.
Pronger apparently informed Hockey Canada of his decision to withdraw Sunday.
Team Canada named Florida Panthers defenceman Jay Bouwmeester to replace Pronger.
'I am honoured by the opportunity to represent Canada," said Bouwmeester. "This is a chance to play with and against the best players in the world, and I am excited to be a part of Team Canada at the World Cup of Hockey."
"We are disappointed that Chris could not participate, but this gives a great opportunity to one of Canada’s rising young stars," said Gretzky. "When you can replace Chris with a player of Jay’s caliber, it shows you how much depth we have in this country."
Internationally, Bouwmeester has represented Canada five times, including winning gold medals at both the 2003 and 2004 Men’s World Championships, as well as being named as the tournament’s ‘Best Defencemen’ and an All-Star in 2003. He was a three time medalist with Canada’s National Junior Team, and is the youngest player ever to play for Canada at the National Junior tournament.
Bouwmeester has played two NHL seasons, both with the Florida Panthers. During the 2003-04 season, Jay missed 18 games due to a foot injury, but was still able to set career highs in assists (18) and points (20). In 2002-03, he was named to the NHL’s All-Rookie team. He scored four goals and 12 assists for 16 points while setting a franchise rookie record by playing in all 82 games.