Canada makes first cuts as national junior team begins to take shape

Three forwards and two defenceman were the first players cut by Team Canada on Sunday, as the national junior team begins to take shape.

Forwards Morgan Klimchuk, Nick Baptiste and Remi Elie were let go on Sunday, while Travis Sanheim and Chris Bigras were the players cut from the blue line.

Bigras was a member of Canada's 2014 World Junior squad that finished fourth in Malmo, Sweden. He was held pointless in seven games at last year's tournament.

Canada's camp roster now includes two goaltenders, eight defencemen and 15 forwards. The final roster will include 22 players, and must be finalized by Dec. 25.

Injured centre Connor McDavid is a lock as he continues to progress from a broken bone in his right hand, and he's joined by forwards Sam Reinhart, Anthony Duclair, Max Domi and Nic Petan, according to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie. Defencemen Darnell Nurse, Josh Morrissey and Madison Bowey are also likely to garner roster spots.

A handful of players put themselves in good standing moving forward by producing against the Toronto CIS Selects team at Mattamy Athletic Centre in the old Maple Leaf Gardens, included forwards Brayden Point, Jake Virtanen and Robby Fabbri.

In goal, Canada only brought two netminders to camp - Zach Fucale of the Halifax Mooseheads and Eric Comrie of the Tri-City Americans.

Canada's pre-tournament camp moves to the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines, Ont., Monday. The team will practice there until returning to Toronto on Friday to face Russia in an exhibition game at Air Canada Centre.

Canada's first game in the world junior tournament is Dec. 26 against Slovakia in Montreal.