Defenseman Mathew Dumba and forward Brendan Gaunce are set to lead Canada into action at the World Under-18 Championship later this month in the Czech Republic.

Dumba, who captained Canada’s Ivan Hlinka Memorial team to a gold medal finish last summer, was cut from Canada’s 2012 World Junior entry in December. He is the highest-ranked Canadian prospect in the tournament and is currently seventh in Future Considerations’ April rankings.

Gaunce, the highest-ranked forward at 19, took to Twitter to announce his participation earlier Wednesday. The Belleville Bulls star had 28 goals and 68 points in 68 games this season.

Joining the duo are potential 2012 first round picks Damon Severson, Scott Laughton and Mike Winther.

The team also has plenty of talent for 2013 as well, including Kerby Rychel. Sam Reinhart, who scored 28 goals with the Kootenay Ice this season, is eligible in 2014.

Preliminary Roster:

Goaltenders: Spencer Martin (Mississauga St. Mikes Majors), Matt Murray (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds), Brandon Whitney (Victoriaville Tigres).

Defensemen: Mathew Dumba (Red Deer Rebels), Josh Morrissey (Prince Albert Raiders), Darnell Nurse (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds), Adam Pelech (Erie Otters), Warren Steele (Kingston Frontenacs), Damon Severson (Kelowna Rockets).

Forwards: Troy Bourke (Prince George Cougars), William Carrier (Cape Breton Screaming Eagles), Brendan Gaunce (Belleville Bulls), Scott Kosmachuk (Guelph Storm), Scott Laughton (Oshawa Generals), Anthony Mantha (Val d’Or Foreurs), Sam Reinhart (Kootenay Ice), Kerby Rychel (Windsor Spitfires), Gemel Smith (Owen Sound Attack), Branden Troock (Seattle Thunderbirds), Mike Winther (Prince Albert Raiders),