Christian Ehrhoff (Germany) and Thomas Vanek (Austria) will participate in the world championship.

They have already committed to take part in the tournament for their respective countries once it kicks off in early May from Sweden and Finland. Ehrhoff led the Sabres' defense corps in points this past campaign with 22 in 47 games, while Vanek led the club in scoring with 41 points in 38 matches.

Christian Ehrhoff recorded the only goal in a 1-0 win over Philadelphia Saturday afternoon.

His fifth tally of the season, which came 17 seconds into the third period, was assisted by Steve Ott and Kevin Porter. Ehrhoff has 18 points and a plus-11 rating in 41 games.

Christian Ehrhoff has been a workhorse on Buffalo's back end, with an average ice time of 24:33 this campaign.

"I feel comfortable," said Ehrhoff, who sits 24th overall in the NHL in average ice time per match. "Obviously, I like playing a lot." He also leads the Sabres with a plus-6 rating, is tied for second with eight assists and ranks fifth with 10 points during his 15 appearances this season. The Sabres and his fantasy owners would probably be happier if he could add some more power-play points, as he has no goals and three assists with the man advantage this year, but he has been solid despite the team's early difficulties.