TORONTO -- Maple Leafs defencemen Luke Schenn and Ian White will play for Team Canada at the 2009 World Hockey Championships in Switzerland.

Schenn had a stellar rookie season and goes into the summer as the only Leafs player general manager Brian Burke has said is safe to return next fall.

"Anytime you get a chance to represent your country it is an honour," the 19-year-old said. "I'm really looking forward to the opportunity." Schenn played in 70 Maple Leafs games this year, recording 14 points and scored two goals. He finished fourth among Leafs in total average ice time, logging 21:32 per contest.

"Getting the chance to play with different players around the league, having new teammates, and going up against the best in the world, it's a new experience," Schenn said. "When you wear a Team Canada uniform you're going for gold. You want to go over there and win."

White previously won silver for Canada on it Spengler Cup team. An injury prevented the Manitoban from participating in the World Junior Hockey Championships earlier in his career.

"Playing for your country and the patriotism that comes with it, it's a great feeling," White said. "We are fortunate. We are representing 35 million people there and I want to do them proud."

After being a healthy scratch for the first 10 games of the season, White rebounded to become one of Toronto's most dependable defenceman for the final 20 games of the year.

Both will have to adapt to playing on the larger international ice.

"It's a tough adjustment," White explained. "There's a little more action, a little more room for forwards to make moves and burn you, but it's a challenge we are up for. Anytime you get to play this game and on a world stage like this, it can add dimensions to your game."

Other Maple Leafs who have committed to their home countries for the worlds include Jason Blake (USA), Niklas Hagman (Finland) and Mikhail Grabovski (Belarus). Alexei Ponikarovsky has opted not to play, with his native Ukraine relegated to Pool B. Tomas Kaberle and Pavel Kubina have also opted to not play in the tournament.