Carson Carels Takes Centre Stage at World Juniors

Key Takeaways

• Team Canada is preparing for the 2026 World Juniors, with 17-year-old defenceman Carson Carels being the youngest player on the team.
• Carels has impressed his teammates and coaches with his poise and maturity on the ice, earning a promotion to the top four.
• Michael Misa, Canada’s top-line centre, is good to go after an injury cut his pre-tournament game short, and is looking forward to playing with his linemates Tij Iginla and Porter Martone.
• Porter Martone has been named captain of Team Canada, and is looking to lead his team to victory after being knocked out by Czechia in the quarterfinals for the past two years.
• Czechia is confident and ready to take on Canada, with players like Adam Novotny and Adam Jiricek looking to make an impact in the tournament.

Introduction to Team Canada

Team Canada held a practice at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis on Thursday ahead of the opening game of the 2026 World Juniors. The team is looking to make a strong start to the tournament, and 17-year-old defenceman Carson Carels is one of the players to watch. Carels, who is Team Canada’s youngest player, has been impressing his teammates and coaches with his poise and maturity on the ice. In a light-hearted moment, Carels was pretending to interview Owen Sound Attack goaltender Carter George, using the blade of his stick to act as a microphone. Carels credits Michigan Wolverines centre Michael Hage for coming up with the nickname "Carlos", which has stuck with him.

Carels’ Rise to the Top

Carels is one of the youngest defencemen to ever suit up for Canada at the World Juniors, and he’s faced some good-natured ribbing from his teammates since training camp opened. However, on the ice, he’s shown that he belongs, snapping break-out passes and making smart plays. Carels started as Canada’s seventh defenceman during last Saturday’s pre-tournament game against Sweden, but moved up to the second pair beside Pittsburgh Penguins rookie Harrison Brunicke in Tuesday’s final exhibition outing against Denmark. He produced a goal and a primary assist against the Danes, and his stock is on the rise. TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button has Carels at No. 6 on his latest list, and it’s clear that he’s going to be a key player for Team Canada.

Misa’s Return to Form

Canada’s top-line centre Michael Misa is good to go after an injury cut his pre-tournament game short. Misa participated fully in Thursday’s practice and is looking forward to playing with his linemates Tij Iginla and Porter Martone. Misa assisted on two Iginla goals during Tuesday’s game, and his teammates are excited to have him back on the ice. "He’s got so much skill, so much speed," said Martone. "He’s really easy to play with and complements my game really well." Misa’s return to form is a boost for Team Canada, and they’ll be looking to him to lead the way in the tournament.

Martone Named Captain

Porter Martone has been named captain of Team Canada, and he’s looking to lead his team to victory after being knocked out by Czechia in the quarterfinals for the past two years. Martone served as captain for Team Canada at the under-18 World Championship in 2024, and he’s got the experience and leadership skills to take on the role. "You’re at a loss of words for a little bit," Martone said. "It’s special. It was especially really exciting to tell my parents." Martone’s father, Mike, wore the ‘C’ for the Peterborough Petes during his playing days, and Martone is looking to follow in his footsteps.

Czechia’s Confidence

Czechia is confident and ready to take on Canada, with players like Adam Novotny and Adam Jiricek looking to make an impact in the tournament. Novotny has scored more than any other player on the Czech roster this season, with 19 goals in 29 games. He’s a sniper who can make plays and score goals, and he’s looking to boost his draft stock. Novotny models his game after Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish, who famously knocked a puck off the goal line in mid-air in overtime to keep the gold-medal game going against Finland in the summer of 2022. Czechia is looking to continue their winning streak against Canada, and they’re ready for the challenge.

George’s Deja Vu

Canadian goalie Carter George is feeling at home in Minneapolis, where the World Juniors are being held. George played a lot of his minor hockey in Minnesota, and he’s got a lot of childhood memories of the area. He’s expecting plenty of friends and family in the crowd, and he’s looking forward to seeing them. George’s phone has been flooded with messages from friends and former teammates, and he’s grateful for the support. He’s looking to build on his strong performance from last year’s World Juniors, where he pitched a 31-save shutout in a 4-0 win over Finland on Boxing Day.

Tournament Preview

The World Juniors are set to get underway on Friday, with Canada taking on Czechia in the opening game. Canada is looking for revenge after being knocked out by Czechia in the quarterfinals for the past two years. Czechia is confident and ready to take on Canada, and they’re looking to continue their winning streak. The tournament is shaping up to be an exciting one, with plenty of talented players and teams looking to make an impact. Canada’s lines and power play units are taking shape, with Misa, Iginla, and Martone forming a strong top line, and McKenna, Hage, and Martin forming a potent second line. The power play units are looking strong, with Parekh, McKenna, Reschny, Hage, and Martin forming the top unit, and Brunicke, Misa, Iginla, Luchanko, and Martone forming the second unit.