Team Canada WJC2013: Ouellet’s ‘feeling pretty good’

CALGARY - Blainville-Boisbriand defenceman Xavier Ouellet tested out his injured ankle at the Markin MacPhail Centre on Tuesday morning and the prognosis was good.

"It's feeling pretty good," said the Team Canada hopeful after his skate. "I had a good practice. I didn't feel (pain) that much, I could push 100 per cent. That's a good sign for me."

It is still undecided, however, whether he will play in Tuesday night's Red-White scrimmage.

"We are going to reevaluate that… and talk now with our therapists," said Team Canada head coach Steve Spott. "I thought he looked ok and he said he felt pretty good after, so we'll meet with our therapists and make our decision before the game."

UPDATE: Ouellet was not in the lineup for Tuesday night's Red-White game.

Spott also clarified that cuts could be coming earlier than he had initially stated. On Monday he said that the roster would not be trimmed until Thursday afternoon.

"There could be some on Wednesday," said Spott . "We'll revisit that but we have that CIS game (against university players) tomorrow and then maybe make some decisions after that game."

Ouellet, a second round pick of the Detroit Red Wings in 2011, came to camp with an ankle sprain after injuring it during a Quebec Major Junior Hockey League game more than a week ago. The 19-year-old had a good summer camp with Team Canada, during their visit to Russia and was also steady during the Quebec leg of the Subway Super Series last month.

"I've got to work hard, but they know who I am and they saw me play this summer," said Ouellet. "They saw me play last year, this year. They know what kind of player I am, so I'm here to work hard and try to earn my spot."

In practice he was paired with veteran defender Scott Harrington of the London Knights, who played for Team Canada last year. Ouellet said he felt there was good chemistry with Harrington, a Pittsburgh Penguins prospect.

"He's a great player and I think everybody knows it," said Ouellet. "He was there last year so he's a (veteran). He talks a lot on the ice so it's easy to play with him."