Predators’ Ryan Ellis joining Team Canada at worlds

Nashville-Predators'-Ryan-Ellis,-left,-shoots-under-pressure-by-Anaheim-Ducks'-Ryan-Kesler-during-the-first-period-of-an-NHL-hockey-game,-Sunday,-Nov.-1,-2015,-in-Anaheim,-Calif.-(AP-Photo/Jae-C.-Hong)

Nashville Predators' Ryan Ellis, left, shoots under pressure by Anaheim Ducks' Ryan Kesler during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Nashville Predators defenceman Ryan Ellis will join Team Canada at the 2016 IIHF World Championship, Hockey Canada announced Saturday.

The news came just after Canada defeated Slovakia 5-0 to continue their undefeated streak.

“We had the opportunity to add one more experienced, puck-moving defenceman,” co-general manager George McPhee said in a press release. “Ryan is very familiar with these players and has had a lot of success with them internationally; he will be a great fit with this group.”

Ellis represented Canada at the world juniors three times, winning gold in 2009 and silver in 2010 and 2011.

The 25-year-old blue-liner has registered 30 goals and 103 points in 281 career regular season NHL games over the course of five seasons with the Predators.

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