By Hockey Canada

HAMAR, NORWAY - Team Canada has added forwards Jeff Friesen and Patrick Marleau of the San Jose Sharks for the 1999 World Hockey Championship in Norway, CanadaÕs general manager Bryan Murray announced Tuesday.

Friesen, of Meadow Lake, SK, is a veteran of international play, having played in two World Hockey Championships and two World Junior Hockey Championships, taking home three gold medals and a silver medal over that time. Friesen, 22 years old, has just completed his fifth season with the Sharks, finishing as their top scorer this season with 22 goals and 35 assists.

For Marleau, of Aneroid, SK, the 1999 World Hockey Championship will be his first international appearance for Canada. Marleau has just completed his second season with the Sharks, finishing with 21 goals and 24 assists during the regular season.

Friesen and Marleau became available when the San Jose Sharks were eliminated by Colorado in the Stanley Cup playoffs on Monday, May 3rd.

"We're very excited about these two latest additions," said Bryan Murray, Team Canada's general manager. "Jeff and Patrick bring a lot of speed, skill and enthusiasm to the team."

Team Canada faces Italy in its last preliminary round game on Wednesday, May 5th at 4 pm local time. Canada has already clinched 1st place of its pool and begins second round play on Friday, May 7th at 4 pm local time. Canada's opponent in that game has not yet been determined.