Ryan Smyth is out of the IIHF World Hockey Championship.

The Canadian captain missed Monday's 6-1 win over Latvia due to an ankle injury and the team said after the game he would not return to the lineup for the rest of the tournament in Mannheim, Germany.

"It's unfortunate that Ryan can't continue in this tournament," Canadian general manager Mark Messier said in a statement. "As everyone knows, Ryan is Captain Canada and has had a huge impact on this team, especially with our younger players."

Smyth appeared to be favouring his left ankle or foot during Sunday's practice, but said afterward that it was nothing serious.

He then missed Monday's morning skate and coach Craig MacTavish said he would be a game-time decision.

"It's difficult for he and us to take, but that's hockey," MacTavish said following Monday's victory.

Canada was forced to play with just 11 forwards against the Latvians because it had already reached the maximum number of players it can register for the opening round.

It will be able to add up to two more skaters and one goaltender after facing Switzerland on Wednesday.

Junior forward Jordan Eberle has been with the team as an alternate and could be a candidate to be added to the roster at that point.