Bieksa headlines Canada’s roster for Spengler Cup

CALGARY (CP) — Former Vancouver Canucks defenceman Kevin Bieksa will bring plenty of NHL experience to Canada’s blue line as the country seeks to win its fourth straight Spengler Cup title.

Hockey Canada on Thursday announced its 25-player roster for the annual tournament in Davos, Switzerland, which also includes forwards Andrew Ebbett of Vernon and Aaron Gagnon of Armstrong, plus former Penticton Vees defenceman Dante Fabbro.

Bieksa, currently a free agent, has played 808 NHL games with Vancouver and Anaheim in his career.

Internationally, Bieksa represented Canada at the 2014 world championship, scoring two goals and adding two assists in eight games.

Canada’s defence also includes former Ottawa Senator Patrick Wiercioch, who helped Canada to a gold medal with a goal and three assists in 10 games at the 2015 world championship.

Forwards Ebbett, Zach Boychuk, Matt D’Agostini and Maxim Lapierre and defenceman Maxim Noreau return from Canada’s 2017 championship team.

Ebbett, Lapierre, Noreau were also part of Canada’s bronze-medal team at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics.

Former Toronto Maple Leafs Daniel Winnik and Dominic Moore bolster Canada’s forward lines.

Canada will open the 2018 Spengler Cup against host HC Davos on Dec. 26.

Kevin Dineen was named as Canada’s coach on Nov. 27.