Key Takeaways
- Canada has announced its official 25-player roster for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.
- The team will be led by captain Porter Martone, along with alternate captains Cole Beaudoin and Harrison Brunicke.
- Canada’s roster features a mix of experienced players, including returnees from last year’s team, and talented newcomers.
- The team will open the tournament against Czechia on Friday, December 26, at 8:30 p.m. ET.
- Canada is considered one of the favorites to win the tournament, with a strong roster and experienced goaltending.
Introduction to Team Canada
Canada has revealed its official roster for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, which is set to begin on Friday, December 26, in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. The team will be looking to bounce back from two straight early exits and a rare back-to-back podium shutout. Canada will open the tournament against Czechia, and the game will air live on TSN in Canada and NHL Network in the United States.
Roster Breakdown
The Canadian roster features a mix of experienced players and talented newcomers. Forwards Porter Martone, Cole Beaudoin, and Jett Luchanko will be joined by Michael Misa, who started the year in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks. The team’s forward group is impressive, with reigning CHL Player of the Year Gavin McKenna returning for his second World Juniors. The Canadians also have a really nasty matchups line that will feature Cole Reschny with Beaudoin and Luchanko, both of whom have a ton of experience being a thorn in the opposition’s side at both ends of the ice.
Defense and Goaltending
On the blue line, Canada has two players with NHL experience in Zayne Parekh and Harrison Brunicke, while they’ve got first-rounder Cameron Reid in their top four and some real intrigue throughout the rest of their blue line. Underager Carson Carels has emerged as a potential top-four option for Canada on the left side. The team’s goaltending is also a major strength, with Carter George and Jack Ivankovic returning from last year’s team. They’ve also been in the net for each of the last two gold medals at the World Under-18 Championship and have shined brightly in the toughest games.
Tournament Schedule
Canada will open the tournament against Czechia on Friday, December 26, at 8:30 p.m. ET. The team will then face Latvia on Saturday, December 27, at 4:30 p.m. ET, followed by games against Denmark on Monday, December 29, and Finland on Wednesday, December 31. FloHockey will be providing complete on-the-ground coverage throughout the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Coverage and Analysis
FloHockey will be on site for complete coverage of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. The website will feature game-by-game coverage of both Team USA and Team Canada, interviews with key players and coaches, and much more. The best and most complete coverage of the NHL minor league hockey and NHL Draft is found on FloHockey, with the latest new prospect guides, rankings, and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.
Conclusion
Canada is considered one of the favorites to win the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, with a strong roster and experienced goaltending. The team will be looking to bounce back from two straight early exits and a rare back-to-back podium shutout. With a talented roster and a strong schedule, Canada is poised to make a deep run in the tournament. Fans can follow all the action on FloHockey, which will be providing complete coverage of the tournament.
