Canada’s world junior hockey team is dealing with its most serious injury loss a day after being handed its first on-ice defeat.
Forward Charles Hudon of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Chicoutimi Sagueneens hurt his lower back at practice Friday and will miss the upcoming under-20 tournament in Ufa, Russia.
Edmonton native Mark McNeill of the Western Hockey League’s Prince Albert Raiders will replace Hudon on Canada’s 23-man roster.
The Canadians dropped a 3-2 decision to Finland in their first pre-tourney game on Thursday. They battle Sweden Saturday at 9:30 a.m. ET before travelling to Ufa. Canada opens the world juniors Dec. 26 against Germany.
