John Gibson starting in goal for Team North America

TORONTO -- The injuries continue to pile up for Team North America, which is fighting to stay alive in the World Cup of Hockey.

On Wednesday, coach Todd McLellan announced that John Gibson would start in goal for the afternoon game against Team Sweden because of an injury to starter Matt Murray. At practice on Tuesday, McLellan referenced a hand injury that was bothering Murray.

Even more problematic is the thinning defense. Aaron Ekblad,North America's best defenseman, was already sent home to Florida and the U24 team may have to play without defenseman Ryan Murray, who is playing through an undisclosed injury. Murray took a short practice on Tuesday and McLellan said he would warm up against the Swedes today to see how he felt.

If Murray can't go, that leaves North America with just five defensemen. World Cup rules only allow emergency call-ups when a team drops below 20 skaters.