Hockey Canada has announced the roster for the 2026 World Junior Training Camp. This camp is a crucial step for the players selected to represent Canada in the upcoming championship. The tournament will take place from December 26 to January 5 in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota.
Key Players in the Training Camp Roster
The roster features 27 talented players, with standout prospect Gavin McKenna leading the group. McKenna, returning for a second consecutive year, is projected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Currently, he has recorded four goals and 18 points over 16 games with Penn State in the NCAA.
Returning Players
- Gavin McKenna
- Jett Luchanko
- Porter Martone
- Cole Beaudoin
- Carter George (Goaltender)
- Jack Ivankovic (Goaltender)
Rosters Breakdown
The roster includes three draft-eligible defensemen:
- Keaton Verhoeff (University of North Dakota)
- Carson Carels (Prince George)
- Ethan MacKenzie (Edmonton)
Out of the selected players, 19 are first-round NHL picks—eight from 2024 and 11 from the June draft. Additionally, seven players are currently competing in the NCAA, while the other 16 represent teams in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL).
Coaching Staff
Dale Hunter, the head coach of the London Knights, will lead this group. He expressed excitement about the incoming talent and the potential for success.
NHL Players on the Roster
The training camp also includes three players currently skating in the NHL:
- Zayne Parekh (Calgary Flames) – 1 assist in 11 games, currently injured.
- Michael Misa (San Jose Sharks) – 1 goal, 2 assists in 7 games, recovering from an ankle sprain.
- Harrison Brunicke (Pittsburgh Penguins) – 1 goal in 9 NHL games and 2 assists in 3 AHL games.
Looking Ahead to the Championship
National Junior Team general manager Alan Millar emphasized the dedication of the players and the hard work of the coaching staff in assembling this roster. He believes this group possesses the skills and character needed for success in the challenging environment of the World Junior Championship.
Canada aims to improve its performance after finishing fifth in the previous two tournaments, following back-to-back gold medals in 2022 and 2023. The team will gather for training on December 12 in Niagara Falls as they prepare for the upcoming challenge.
Complete Roster
Forwards
- Gavin McKenna
- Brady Martin
- Michael Misa
- Tij Iginla
- Carter Bear
- Cole Beaudoin
- Cole Reschny
- Braeden Cootes
- Jett Luchanko
- Jake O’Brien
- Caleb Desnoyers
- Liam Greentree
- Porter Martone
- Michael Hage
- Sam O’Reilly
Defense
- Cameron Reid
- Kashawn Aitcheson
- Carson Carels
- Ethan MacKenzie
- Jackson Smith
- Harrison Brunicke
- Zayne Parekh
- Ben Danford
- Keaton Verhoeff
Goalies
- Carter George
- Jack Ivankovic
- Joshua Ravensbergen
