Keaton Verhoeff, a promising defenceman from the University of North Dakota, leads Canada’s roster for the Under-18 World Hockey Championships. The tournament will take place in Slovakia, commencing on April 22. This pre-tournament roster is composed of 23 players, including 13 forwards, seven defencemen, and three goaltenders. Team Canada general manager Alan Millar and head scout Byron Bonora have selected these players.
Upcoming Tournament Overview
The Under-18 World Hockey Championships will see Canada face the host country, Slovakia, in the opening match. The tournament’s structure allows for further roster updates, particularly following the ongoing CHL playoffs.
Keaton Verhoeff’s Background
Verhoeff, who is 6-foot-4 and shoots right, had a significant collegiate season prior to this tournament, accumulating six goals and 20 points over 36 games. His team finished the season with a commendable 27-9-1 record as the No. 2 seed. Just recently, Verhoeff’s team advanced to the Frozen Four, although they were eliminated in the semifinals by Wisconsin.
Notable Achievements
- Played for the Victoria Royals in the WHL, scoring 21 goals and 45 points in his rookie season.
- Captained Canada to a bronze medal at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
- Part of the gold medal-winning team at the previous U-18 World Hockey Championships.
- One of three draft-eligible players who secured bronze at the 2026 World Juniors, alongside Gavin McKenna and Carson Carels.
Draft Projections
Expectations are high for Verhoeff, who is projected as a top lottery pick for the 2026 NHL Draft. He began the year ranked No. 2 on TSN’s pre-season draft list and has since dropped to No. 5.
Roster Highlights
Key players joining Verhoeff include:
- Ryan Lin (Defenceman, Vancouver Giants)
- Alesandro Di Iorio (Forward, Sarnia Sting)
In total, Canada’s roster features:
- 13 players who earned bronze at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
- 12 players who returned with gold from the 2025 World Hockey Challenge.
Final Roster Announcement
Hockey Canada is expected to finalize the roster shortly before the tournament begins. This roster will continue to evolve based on player performances in the ongoing playoffs, and fans eagerly await the final selections.
