BY PATRICK KING
sportsnet.ca

Versatility is the theme amongst this year's Canadian squad. Hockey Canada checked every box and will have the ability to win playing numerous styles of game, given the versatility and depth at all positions. SPORTSNET.CA takes a look at each player, offering a synopsis of what fans can expect to see from the home country in the tournament.

Forwards

Taylor Hall

Junior team: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Drafted by: Eligible 2010

Hometown: Kingston, Ont.

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 181 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: Hall is a highlight reel waiting to happen. Although he's the youngest player on the team, he will be responsible for leading the offence. A quick and agile skater with game-breaking ability, the tournament is the perfect staging ground for Hall to assert himself as the top draft eligible prospect.

Gabriel Bourque

Junior team: Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Drafted by: Nashville Predators

Hometown: Squatec, Que.

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 183 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: Bourque is a remarkably intelligent player in all three zones and dedicated worker. He will be a regular on Canada's penalty kill, but also has soft and supple hands to create offensively. His role could increase as the tournament progresses and he will be one of the unheralded difference-makers.

Nazem Kadri

Junior team: London Knights (OHL)

Drafted by: Toronto Maple Leafs

Hometown: London, Ont.

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 174 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: The first-round pick of the Maple Leafs still has a lot left to prove in the tournament. He is one of the most naturally-gifted offensive players on the team, but will need to be reliable in his own end to earn his minutes. He could Canada's top scorer, but could also just as easily become a role player if he fails to assert himself and becomes a liability away from the puck.

Brayden Schenn

Junior team: Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

Drafted by: Los Angeles Kings

Hometown: Saskatoon, Sask.

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 194 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: There will be a little more zip to Schenn's game in this tournament, given that he grew up in the host city. Schenn is at his best when he's grinding it out and going to the dirty areas. He loves getting his nose dirty and will be a handful for the opposition. His robust play should help him produce offensively.

Adam Henrique

Junior team: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Drafted by: New Jersey Devils

Hometown: Burford, Ont.

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 188 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: Henrique doesn't go looking for accolades or recognition, just championships. He was at his best in last year's Memorial Cup and could provide Canada with a similar steady performance. Although one of the top scorers in the OHL, his role will most likely be as a shutdown forward and penalty killing specialist.

Jordan Eberle

Junior team: Regina Pats (WHL)

Drafted by: Edmonton Oilers

Hometown: Regina, Sask.

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 181 lbs.

Shoots: Right

Synopsis: Eberle's reputation as a clutch goalscorer will be on display once again in this tournament. The product of the Queen City came up huge in last year's tournament when he tied the semi-final game with five seconds left in regulation against the Russians. He has a lightning-quick wrist shot and should be involved in many of Canada's goals.

Brandon McMillan

Junior team: Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

Drafted by: Anaheim Ducks

Hometown: Delta, B.C.

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 185 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: McMillan will be one of Canada's most versatile players and should earn time on the penalty kill. The speedy forward played defence for the majority of the second half with Kelowna last season and could revert back, should Canada run into any injuries on the back-end.

Greg Nemisz

Junior team: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Drafted by: Calgary Flames

Hometown: Courtice, Ont.

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 199 lbs.

Shoots: Right

Synopsis: Nemisz asserted himself quite well physically and should fill the role as one of the team's power forwards. He likes to mix it up and has a potent shot, which should translate into scoring chances for him. He could be dangerous if placed on a line with his Spitfires teammates Hall and Henrique.

Brandon Kozun

Junior team: Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

Drafted by: Los Angeles Kings

Hometown: Calgary, Alta.

Height: 5'7"

Weight: 156 lbs.

Shoots: Right

Synopsis: The dual citizen of Canada and the U.S. isn't regretting his decision to try out for the Canadian squad. What Kozun loses in size he makes up for in skill and heart. Kozun has great wheels and doesn't need much time or space to create. He's a natural scorer and should be a factor in the offensive zone.

Stefan Della Rovere

Junior team: Barrie Colts (OHL)

Drafted by: Washington Capitals

Hometown: Maple, Ont.

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 200 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: Della Rovere made a name for himself at last year's tournament and should regain his role as a pest and defensive specialist. He understands the importance of intimidation and getting opponents off their game. The only concern is that he is sometimes prone to stepping over the line and taking undisciplined penalties.

Luke Adam

Junior team: Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL)

Drafted by: Buffalo Sabres

Hometown: St. John's, Nfld.

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 201 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: Adam came a long way in proving his worth to the Hockey Canada brass and was one of the best players in November's Subway Super Series. He plays a power-forward game and has a penchant for scoring big goals. He could start as a depth forward but could rise to the challenge when given an opportunity to showcase his skills.

Jordan Caron

Junior team: Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

Drafted by: Boston Bruins

Hometown: Sayabec, Que.

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 200 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: There's no shortage of big, bruising forwards and Caron is yet another player who enjoys mixing it up. He isn't the most reliable defensive player, where his work ethic has sometimes wavered, but he could be a valuable player in establishing the forecheck and creating space for his teammates.

Patrice Cormier

Junior team: Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)

Drafted by: New Jersey Devils

Hometown: Cap-Pele, N.B.

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 201 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: Captain Cormier should be a big factor in Canada's pursuit of another gold medal. He asserted himself with his two-way and physical play in last year's tournament, which resulted in opportunities offensively. Cormier is the type of heart and soul player fans will love and opposing teams hate to play against.

Defencemen

Colten Teubert

Junior team: Regina Pats (WHL)

Drafted by: Los Angeles Kings

Hometown: White Rock, B.C.

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 195 lbs.

Shoots: Right

Synopsis: Teubert is one of three returning players on the blue line. He should emerge as an offensive threat with a booming shot from the point. Teubert will need to use his size to intimidate, a role he relishes. He has the ability to make some crushing open-ice hits, which could develop hesitation in the minds of some smaller forwards.

Travis Hamonic

Junior team: Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

Drafted by: New York Islanders

Hometown: St. Malo, Man.

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 219 lbs.

Shoots: Right

Synopsis: Another steady and reliable defender, Hamonic has the ability to produce offensively with his hard and heavy shot, but will likely be asked to shutdown the opposition. He has great size and a penchant for finishing his hits. He's a hard worker who will make sacrifices for the team.

Marco Scandella

Junior team: Val-d'Or Foreurs (QMJHL)

Drafted by: Minnesota Wild

Hometown: Montreal, Que.

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 217 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: Scandella developed a reputation as one of the league's top shutdown defencemen. He has size and mobility and is another selfless player who would gladly exchange press clippings for championships. He could be on Canada's top shutdown pairing with Teubert.

Ryan Ellis

Junior team: Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

Drafted by: Nashville Predators

Hometown: Freelton, Ont.

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 184 lbs.

Shoots: Right

Synopsis: The pint-sized defender with the booming slapshot will see more minutes in this year's tournament. Ellis is an offensive wizard and matured defensively, to the point where Canada will not hesitate using him in all situations. His point shot will be crucial in creating offence on the power-play and he always saves his best performances for the biggest stages.

Jared Cowen

Junior team: Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

Drafted by: Ottawa Senators

Hometown: Allan, Sask.

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 226 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: It will be a homecoming of sorts for Cowen, who grew up in nearby Allan, Sask. and played in various Saskatoon rinks in his youth. He will most likely be a depth defender in this tournament but his size and penchant for delivering huge hits will electrify his teammates and fans. He is fearless defensively and will need to create space for his goaltenders to see the puck by clearing the crease.

Calvin de Haan

Junior team: Oshawa Generals (OHL)

Drafted by: New York Islanders

Hometown: Carp, Ont.

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 182 lbs.

Shoots: Left

Synopsis: The last defenceman to make the team, de Haan's experience in this tournament should be beneficial for him a year from now. He could earn power-play minutes where he is smart and crafty when distributing the puck. Although not a defensive liability, he won't be on the ice in crucial situations while defending a lead.

Alex Pietrangelo

Pro team: St. Louis Blues (NHL)

Drafted by: St. Louis Blues

Hometown: King City, Ont.

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 207 lbs.

Shoots: Right

Synopsis: The only loan from the National Hockey League, Pietrangelo brings experience and reliable two-way play to the back-end. He wasn't a big factor in last year's tournament, which should motivate him this time around. He can play any role, but will more than likely assume an offensive assignment.

Goaltenders

Jake Allen

Junior team: Montreal Juniors (QMJHL)

Drafted by: St. Louis Blues

Hometown: Fredericton, N.B.

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 191 lbs.

Catches: Left

Synopsis: Few goaltenders have started this tournament with so much pressure, as Allen was the consensus starter for this year's tournament for more than a year. He thrives under pressure and has the ability to steal games for his team. Allen exudes confidence that distributes to the team in front of him. Regardless of the outcome, Canada's final placing will have a lot to do with how Allen performs.

Martin Jones

Junior team: Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

Signed by: Los Angeles Kings

Hometown: North Vancouver, B.C.

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 187 lbs.

Catches: Left

Synopsis: Jones won the backup role in a three goalie race at the selection camp. He should be comfortable playing behind a stacked team, as the Hitmen were dominant the past two seasons. It's unlikely that he will play in more than one game as, even if Allen falters early, Canada will most likely ride with their starter. Jones is a humble person and good teammate, which should bode well for the room.