RALEIGH - Carolina Hurricanes captain Rod Brind'Amour, who had reconstructive surgery Feb. 15 for ligament damage in his left knee, was back on the ice Monday.

He participated in drills with teammates who were working out at the RecZone in preparation for next month's International Ice Hockey Federation's World Championship.

Brind'Amour won't play in the World Championships, but the Canes will be well-represented.

Eric Staal, Ray Whitney and Cam Ward, who all skated Monday, will represent Canada. Dennis Seidenberg (Germany) also worked out.

The Canes' Tim Gleason (United States), Tuomo Ruutu (Finland) and Niclas Wallin (Sweden) also are slated to play but weren't at Monday's skate.

"The only reason we got this phone call is because we're not in the playoffs playing right now," Ward said. "You definitely don't want to get used to getting that call from Team Canada because that means you're not playing in the playoffs. But it is a good chance to turn your season into a positive, by leaving on a good note like we did last year."

Team Canada will have the advantage throughout the championship in which 16 countries will compete. The games will be held in Quebec City in the Quebec province and Halifax in Nova Scotia.

"It'll be packed buildings," Staal said. "Any time you pull over the Canadian sweater in a hockey game, it means something, especially in our own country. So I think everyone is looking forward to it."

The Hurricanes are still awaiting news about coach Peter Laviolette.

General manager Jim Rutherford said just after the season ended that he would review the coach's performance. The team has missed the playoffs for two straight seasons after winning the Stanley Cup in 2006.

"I'm not sure what's going on, as far as that goes for me," Staal said. "I've had great experiences with our coaching staff. I thought they've worked very hard. ... I'm not sure what the plans are with management, but I'm here to play hockey, and whomever is behind the bench, I'm going to play hard for."

Said Ward: "I think that's none of my business. All I know is that I really like Coach Laviolette. I think he did an excellent job. I think the guys definitely want to play for him.

"He's a top-notch coach."