Sarnia Sting defenceman Jakob Chychrun was one of four players cut from Canada's national junior team Sunday.
The cuts came after the second of two exhibition games between Canada and a team of all-stars from Canadian universities.
Along with Chychrun, forwards Pierre-Luc Dubois, Michael Dal Colle and Spencer Watson were returned to their respective junior teams.
Chychrun is both a Canadian and American citizen but has suited up with Canada in the past. Injuries forced the highly touted prospect out of the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament this past summer, and the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Sarnia-Lambton last fall.
Sarnia's first overall pick in 2014 is spending some time with family following the disappointing news, he's expected to rejoin the Sting this weekend in time for their road trip to Mississauga and Erie.
Canada's roster now sits at 27 with the addition of Jake Virtanen from the Vancouver Canucks. Virtanen joins Lawson Crouse, Joe Hicketts and Brayden Point as the four returning players from last year's gold medal team.
The tournament gets underway December 26 when Canada takes on the United States.