Key Takeaways:
- 27 players have been selected for Canada’s National Junior Team training camp
- The team will compete in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, from December 26 to January 5
- The initial roster includes three goaltenders, nine defencemen, and 15 forwards
- The team will host training camp in Niagara Falls, Ontario, from December 13 to 22, and play pre-tournament games against Sweden and Denmark
- TSN and RDS will provide extensive coverage of the tournament, broadcasting all 29 games and Team Canada’s first two pre-tournament games
Introduction to the Team Selection
The selection process for Canada’s National Junior Team has been completed, and 27 players have been chosen to participate in the training camp at the Gale Centre in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The team will be competing in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, which will take place in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, from December 26 to January 5. The initial roster includes three goaltenders, nine defencemen, and 15 forwards, and was selected by National Junior Team general manager Alan Millar, head scout Byron Bonora, and Mark Hunter, U20 lead with the Program of Excellence management group.
The Selection Process
The selection process for the team was a rigorous one, with input from a number of individuals, including head coach Dale Hunter, associate coach Misha Donskov, and assistant coaches Brad Lauer and Gardiner MacDougall, as well as goaltending consultant Dan De Palma. The staff worked tirelessly to identify a roster that embodies the identity they want Canada to play, and they are confident that the selected athletes are ready for the challenge ahead. As Millar stated, "This group represents the very best of Canadian junior hockey—skill, speed, sense, character, and a strong commitment to team success and the pride in representing Canada at this prestigious world championship."
Player Experience and Achievements
The selected players have a wealth of experience and achievements, with six players having made their National Hockey League debuts, six players having played at the 2025 World Juniors, and eight players having won gold at the 2025 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship. Additionally, eleven players won gold at the 2024 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championships, and eight players captured a gold medal at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. This level of experience and success will undoubtedly be an asset to the team as they compete in the World Junior Championship.
Training Camp and Pre-Tournament Games
Canada’s National Junior Team will host training camp from December 13 to 22 in Niagara Falls, and will also face off against Sweden on December 17 and 20 in Kitchener and London, Ontario, before taking on Denmark on December 23 in Mankato, Minnesota, in pre-tournament action. The team will then travel to Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, to compete in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, which begins on Boxing Day with four games, including Canada taking on Czechia at the 3M Arena at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT.
Broadcasting and Ticket Information
TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will provide extensive coverage of the event, broadcasting all 29 tournament games and Team Canada’s first two pre-tournament games. For fans interested in attending the IIHF World Junior Championship when it returns to Canada next year, they can sign up for the 2027 World Junior Priority Draw now for free. With ticket demand expected to exceed availability, the priority draw is the best chance for fans to cheer on Team Canada in Edmonton & Red Deer. More information can be found at HC.ca/PriorityDraw.
Conclusion and Future Plans
In conclusion, the selection of the 27 players for Canada’s National Junior Team is a significant step towards competing in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. The team has a wealth of experience and achievements, and the staff is confident that they have the right mix of players to compete for a gold medal. As Dale Hunter stated, "Our goal is clear—we’re going to Minnesota to compete for a gold medal. I’m excited to get to work, bring this team together and help these players play the kind of fast, disciplined, determined hockey Canadians expect." For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Junior Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.