Severson cut from World Jr team

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo

Kelowna Rockets defenceman Damon Severson was cut Friday from Canada's World Junior Hockey team.

Damon Severson will not be competing for Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships in Malmo, Sweden after all.

The 19-year-old Kelowna Rocket defenceman was one of two players cut from Canada's roster today (Friday).

Also cut was Medicine Hat Tigers forward Hunter Shinkaruk, a first round Vancouver Canucks draft choice this year.

The announcement came after Canada defeated Finland 4-2 in a pre-tournament game.

Both Severson and Shinkaruk were in the line-up for Canada.

Neither recorded a point in the win.

Canada’s roster is now at 23 players, including two goaltenders, seven defencemen and 14 forwards. One more player, likely a forward, will be released to get Canada down to the maximum of 22 players for the start of the tournament.

Severson and Shinkaruk will both head home for Christmas.

Severson will be in the Rockets line-up when they return from their Christmas break to host the Kamloops Blazers Dec 27.