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Five Canadians to watch at the World Juniors

Dougie Hamilton

Team Canada announced its 22-man roster for the 2012 World Junior Hockey Championship today. Here are five players to watch, starting Dec. 26 when Canada plays Finland in Edmonton.

Dougie Hamilton (D) – Also known as the guy the Bruins drafted with the second of the two first-round picks the Leafs sent to Boston for Phil Kessel. Hamilton’s been tearing up the OHL with the Niagara Ice Dogs – the 6-foot-4, 193-pound defenseman has 45 points in 30 games.

Ryan Murray (D) – One of two undrafted players to make the cut (the other being forward Tanner Pearson), Murray is the No. 4 prospect in the 2012 draft, according to International Scouting Services. Due to a high-ankle sprain, the 18-year-old has only played 11 games this season for the WHL’s Everett Silvertips.

Jaden Schwartz (F) – The only NCAA player on the team, Schwartz (Colorado College) was drafted 14th overall by St. Louis in 2010. One of four returning members to the squad, the 19-year-old will hope to have a better experience than last year when he fractured his ankle in the second game of the tournament. It’s sure to be an emotional time for Schwartz. His sister, Mandi, a former Yale hockey player, passed away from cancer in April. “She’s on my mind every day,” he said Saturday. “You can’t stop thinking about her. She was there for me so much. She inspires me every day still. Not a day goes by when I don’t think about here. Everything I do is for her.”

Brendan Gallagher (F) – Though small in stature, Gallagher managed to turn a lot of heads at Montreal’s training camp. The Habs drafted the Vancouver Giants (WHL) winger with the 147th overall pick in 2010. “He’s not a big player but has a big heart,” Canadiens coach Jacques Martin said. “He goes to the net, he’s not afraid and has good hands.” Of note, Gallagher’s junior coach, Don Hay, is also Team Canada’s coach.

Jonathan Huberdeau (F) – Taken third overall in June by the Florida Panthers, Huberdeau (Saint John, QMJHL) is still recovering from a broken foot that he suffered in early November. Obviously management is optimistic he’ll be able to play or they wouldn’t have kept him. Huberdeau had 28 points in 13 games for the Sea Dogs before getting injured.