By Canadian Press

tough blow

Canadian captain Kirby Dach out with injury for entire world junior championship

Dec 24, 2020 | 12:18 PM

EDMONTON — Canadian captain Kirby Dach will miss the world junior hockey championship after suffering a wrist injury in a pre-tournament game against Russia on Wednesday night.

The Blackhawks prospect will return to Chicago to undergo further examination by team doctors.

Dach was injured on what seemed like a harmless bodycheck in the neutral zone in the third period. After the hit, he pulled off his glove, skated off the ice and went directly to the locker-room area.

Canadian coach Andre Tourigny did not have details on Dach’s injury after the game. He said an update would be provided once X-ray results were available.

The third overall pick by Chicago in the 2019 NHL draft, Dach cracked the Blackhawks’ roster last season and had eight goals and 15 assists in 23 games.

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“Kirby was excited to represent Canada and captain our team at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, and our players, coaches and staff are all disappointed he will not be able to participate this year,” said Scott Salmond, senior vice-president of national teams with Hockey Canada.

“We recognize Kirby’s commitment and leadership and know how eager he was for the opportunity to proudly represent his country at the World Juniors. He was dedicated to his role as captain and contributing to defending our gold medal. We wish Kirby the best and hope for a quick recovery as he looks ahead to getting back on the ice with the Blackhawks.”

Canada is set to open the tournament Saturday against Germany.

The event starts Friday with three games.