Canadian forward Haley Irwin. (FILE PHOTO: KEYSTONE/Steffen Schmidt)Steffen Schmidt
GOALTENDERS
Shannon Szabados, Edmonton — Plays college hockey with Grant MacEwan's men's team after a career in the Junior A men's ranks. Challenges shooters and makes game-turning saves. Made 24 saves in Canada's 1-0 win over the U.S. in a tournament warmup.
Charline Labonte, Boisbriand, Que. — A Canadian university all-star in all five years with McGill and most experienced of the three in her 11th season on the national team. Technically sound and reads angles well.
Genevieve Lacasse, Kingston, Ont. — A battler in net who relies more on instinct than technique. For the first time in five years, there is a new face among Canada's trio of goalies at the world championship. Kim St. Pierre is taking the season off to have a baby.
DEFENCE
Courtney Birchard, Mississauga, Ont. — Played forward on national under-22 program. Has one of the hardest shots on the team.
Jocelyne Larocque, Ste. Anne, Man. — Former Minnesota-Duluth college star makes smart first pass on breakout and in transition.
Lauriane Rougeau, Beaconsfield, Que. — Smart, poised with the puck, stay-at-home defender. Will make world championship debut.
Laura Fortino, Hamilton, Ont. — Rougeau's defensive partner at Cornell has offensive skills and instincts, but defensive game still in a work in progress.
Meaghan Mikkelson, St. Albert, Alta. — Has flipped between forward and defence during her national team career. Speed and mobility are her trademarks and she also boasts a hard shot.
Catherine Ward, Montreal — Moves the puck smartly and quickly. Passing skills give Canada quick transitions out of the defensive and neutral zones.
Tessa Bonhomme, Sudbury, Ont. — Mobile mover of the puck and an excellent skater in both hockey and figure skates. Won this season's "Battle Of The Blades," a reality TV figure skating show, with partner David Pelletier.
FORWARDS
Meghan Agosta, Ruthven, Ont. — Few in the international game have her speed and her quick release. Leading scorer and MVP at 2010 Olympic tournament needs a bounce-back world championship. Didn't score a goal last year in Switzerland.
Rebecca Johnston, Sudbury, Ont. — Had a breakout world championship tournament last year, leading Canada in scoring with four goals and two assists in five games. Former 400-metre sprinter is a powerful skater when she gets up to top speed.
Gillian Apps, Unionville, Ont. — Six-footer creates space around the net, gets to rebounds with her range, boasts a quick release on her wrist shot. Strong hockey bloodlines via father Syl and grandfather Syl, who both played in the NHL.
Caroline Ouellette, Montreal — Has also played defence during her career. Moves the puck with power and authority. Her size and hard shot make her difficult to contain.
Jayna Hefford, Kingston, Ont. — The oldest player on the team at 34, still capable of scoring sneaky goals with quick feet and hands.
Vicki Bendus, Wasaga Beach, Ont. — Five-foot-two and fleet of foot, works the puck well in small spaces and traffic.
Haley Irwin, Thunder Bay, Ont. — Good hands around the net. An intimidating player who blocks shots and ferociously protects the puck.
Bailey Bram, Ste-Anne, Man. — Irritating, energy player who replaces some of the sandpaper Canada lost when veteran Sarah Vaillancourt underwent season-ending hip surgery.
Brianne Jenner, Oakville, Ont. — A big, powerful skater and one four Cornell players on the roster. Also making her world championship debut.
Marie-Philip Poulin, Beauceville, Que. — Combines high-end skill set with speed. Scored both goals for Canada in Olympic final.
Natalie Spooner, Toronto — All-around solid offensive skills, a physical presence in front of the opposition's net.
Jennifer Wakefield, Pickering, Ont. — Another big, smooth-skating power forward. Led Boston University in scoring this season.
Hayley Wickenheiser, Shaunavon, Sask. — A catalyst for everything that happens on the ice when she's out for a shift. Both a playmaker and goal scorer.