First 16 World Cup Of Hockey Roster Spots

(Photo: TheHockeyGuys.net)

The World Cup of Hockey is almost here.  The tournament includes teams from North America and Europe including: Team USA, Team Canada, Team Russia, Team Czech Republic, Team Finland, Team Sweden, Team North America and Team Europe.  

All 8 teams have announced their first 16 roster spots for the tournament that starts in September.  Keep in mind that these rosters are not complete, so save your outrage for later.

TEAM USA

(Photo: SportsNet.com)

Familiar names on this list include Patrick Kane, who is currently 2nd in the league in goals scored and assists, but also first in the league in points scored.  Anyone who watched the Olympics will remember T.J. Oshie's shootout performance against Russia.  Goalies include the Lightning's Ben Bishop and 2 time Stanley Cup winner Jonathan Quick.  

team canada

(Photo: HockeyCanada.ca)

As much as I want USA to win, it would be a travesty if Team Canada can't win with this lineup.  Bruins' own Patrice Bergeron joins the likes of Jonathan Toews and former teammate Tyler Seguin in an attempt to lead Canada to victory.  

Team Russia 

(Photo: Sportsnet.com)

Current goals leader Alex Ovechkin leads Team Russia heading into the tournament.  He's joined by teammate and rising star Evgeni Kuznetsov and Dimitry Orlov.  Pavel Datsyuk, the 37-year-old Red Wing will also assist the forwards on Team Russia.

Other notables

Team Europe:

Zdeno Chara - Boston Bruins
Dennis Seidenberg - Boston Bruins
Anze Kopitar - LA Kings
Marian Hossa - Chicago Blackhawks

Team North America:

Jack Eichel - Buffalo Sabres
Johnny Gaudreau - Calgary Flames 
Connor McDavid - Edmonton Oilers 
Dylan Larkin - Detroit Red Wings

Team Finland: 

Tuukka Rask - Boston Bruins
Mikko Koivu - Minnesota Wild 

Team Sweden: 

Loui Eriksson - Boston Bruins
Henrik Lundqvist - New York Rangers 
Daniel/Henrik Sedin - Vancouver Canucks
Erik Karlsson - Ottawa Senators

Team Czech Republic:

David Pastrnak - Boston Bruins
David Krejci - Boston Bruins 
Tomas Plekanec - Montreal Canadiens 
Jakub Voracek - Philadelphia Flyers

By Matt Watts 
@BiasedDave