Hockey Canada has released its roster for the 2008 IIHF world women’s championships Tuesday.

The tournament, which takes place from April 4-12 in Harbin, China, will see coach Peter Smith and GM Melody Davidson take 20 players plus two alternates overseas to play against the best competition the world has to offer.

Canada’s roster includes 17 returning members from the 2007 gold-medal winning team.

Forwards

Meghan Agosta

Rebecca Johnston

Cherie Piper

Katie Weatherston

Gillian Apps

Caroline Ouellette

Jayna Hefford

Jennifer Botterill

Valerie Chouinard (alternate)

Hayley Wickenheiser

Kelly Bechard

Sarah Vaillancourt

Gina Kingsbury

Defense

Carla McLeod

Becky Kellar

Colleen Sostorics

Gillian Ferrari

Meaghan Mikkelson

Delaney Collins

Goaltenders

Shannon Szabados (alternate)

Charline Labonte

Kim St-Pierre