Canada's Devante Smith-Pelly leaves the ice with an injury during the second period of play against Finland at the 2012 IIHF U20 World Junior Hockey Championships in Edmonton, Alberta, December 26, 2011. An examination later determined Smith-Pelly broke his foot and is finished for the tournament. REUTERS/Dan RiedlhuberDan Riedlhuber/Reuters
Canada's team at the world junior hockey championship suffered a major blow in its tournament opener.
Forward Devante Smith-Pelly broke his left foot after blocking a shot in the second period of Canada's 8-1 rout of Finland on Monday and will miss the remainder of the tournament.
"Heartbreaking way to end my tournament, but I know the guys will do the country proud regardless. Thank you everyone for your kind words," said Smith-Pelly on his Twitter page.
The Anaheim Ducks forward, one of only two NHL players on the Canadian team, cannot be replaced on the 22-man roster.
The only situation in which a team could add another player at this point in the tournament would be in the case of a goaltender injury.
The six-foot, 207-pound Toronto native scored twice Thursday in Canada's 7-1 pre-tournament win over Switzerland 7-1.
The Ducks drafted Smith-Pelly in the second round, 42nd overall, and has contributed three goals and two assists in 26 games with Anaheim this season.
Hockey Canada says Smith-Pelly will remain with the team.