International hockey offers players the opportunity to compete against the best in the business.
It's also a stressful time for general managers and coaches, who cross their fingers that their top players don't fall to injury while away from the team.
In a short three-week tournament, five key players competing in the World Cup have already been sidelined:
Marian Gaborik
The Los Angeles Kings will be without winger Gaborik for eight weeks, as the veteran suffered a foot injury while competing with Team Europe. One of the team's top players, Gaborik had a pair of goals in the tournament.
Aaron Ekblad
Florida Panthers star defenseman Ekblad was pulled from the tournament after a nasty hit left him with a concussion. Ekblad, who suffered the injury in round robin action, has since returned to Sunrise and has already began skating, according to Panthers coach Gerard Gallant.
Tyler Seguin
It wasn't a long tournament for Dallas Stars center Seguin, who was injured during exhibition play. After sliding feet-first into the end boards, Seguin was diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his heel. He returned to Dallas where the Stars continue to monitor his recovery.
Matt Murray
First thought to be a thumb injury, Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Murray in fact suffered a broken hand that will keep him out of the lineup for three-to-six weeks. Murray appeared in two games with Team North America, where he posted a lowly .886 save percentage.
Ales Hemsky
As if one injury wasn't already enough, the Stars will also be without forward Hemsky, who's been sidelined seven-to-10 days with a groin injury. The 33-year-old appeared in three games with Czech Republic, grabbing a pair of assists.
