CALGARY, Canada (AFP) - Canada bolstered its chances for success at the World Ice Hockey Championships by adding nine players to its roster - including all-stars Dany Heatley, Jason Spezza and Ryan Getzlaf.

Also named to the roster by general manager Steve Yzerman were Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mathieu Garon, defencemen Brent Burns of the Minnesota Wild and Ed Jovanovski of the Phoenix Coyotes and left wing Chris Kunitz of Anaheim.

Edmonton centre Sam Gagner and former Calgary Flames blue-liner Mark Giordano also were named as alternates.

A Canadian who was born in Germany, Heatley eclipsed the 40-goal mark for the third straight season in 2007-08, netting 41 in 71 games. The 27-year-old added 41 assists but notched just one during Ottawa's four-game loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the opening round of the NHL playoffs.

Spezza, 24, recorded 34 goals and a career-high 92 points in 76 contests with the Senators this season.

The 19th overall pick in the 2003 draft, Getzlaf is arguably the best of the bunch. He led the Ducks in scoring this campaign with a career-best 82 points in 77 games.

The World Championships, which will take place from May 2-18, will be held in Quebec and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Canada opens play on May 2 against Slovenia.