BLOG: Two Devils among 22 named to Team Canada for 2019 Worlds

Devils defenseman Damon Severson and goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood were among the 22 named to Team Canada at the 2019 IIHF World Championship.
"It's always a special opportunity when you get the call to represent your country on the international stage," said Jason Botterill, one of the members of Canada's management group. "This roster is a mix of youth and veterans who will help lead the way in this short-term competition. Our coaching staff is excited to work with these players as we get set for a competitive tournament in Slovakia starting May 10."
Severson is one of seven blueliners, along with Thomas Chabot, Dante Fabbro, Brandon Montour, Darnell Nurse, Troy Stecher and Shea Theodore while Mackenzie joins Matt Murray and Carter Hart in goal.
Tweet from @NJDevils: Damon Severson is looking forward to a solid May with Team Canada at #IIHFWorlds. pic.twitter.com/XtOAR9XPHf
"Excited to be going to play for Team Canada! It's such a privilege to be able to represent your country and its game of hockey. Also really cool to be alongside an idol of mine growing up in Thunder Bay," Blackwood said about Murray.
Canada now heads to Vienna, Austria for training camp, which will include a pre-tournament game on May 7 against Austria. The tournament gets underway on May 10.
Blackwood and Severson join fellow Devils or Devils prospects Nico Hischier (Switzerland), Jesper Bratt & Jesper Boqvist (Sweden) and Cory Schneider & Coach John Hynes (USA).
- with files from Amanda Stein