McKenna among 6 returnees for Canada's WJHC training camp roster
Hockey Canada announced Monday its 27-player training camp roster for the 2026 World Junior Hockey Championship.
This year's IIHF tournament marks its 50th edition and will be held in Minnesota, starting Dec. 26, 2025. The championship game is scheduled for Jan. 5, 2026.
Canada is bringing six returning players from the 2025 roster to training camp, including yet-to-be-drafted phenom Gavin McKenna. Last year's team disappointingly lost in the quarterfinals to Czechia.
"We are extremely excited to unveil the 27 players who will begin the road to the World Juniors at training camp in Niagara Falls," general manager Alan Millar said. "This group represents the very best of Canadian junior hockey. ... We are confident in this group as we begin our preparations for Minneapolis on Dec. 12."
Canada could still make some additions to the final roster, as NHL teams determine whether to allow certain players to participate.
Forwards
| Player | Age | Current team | NHL rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carter Bear | 19 | Everett Silvertips (WHL) | DET |
| Cole Beaudoin* | 19 | Barrie Colts (OHL) | UTA |
| Braeden Cootes | 18 | Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) | VAN |
| Caleb Desnoyers | 18 | Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) | UTA |
| Liam Greentree | 19 | Windsor Spitfires (OHL) | LAK |
| Michael Hage | 19 | Michigan (NCAA) | MTL |
| Tij Iginla | 19 | Kelowna Rockets (WHL) | UTA |
| Jett Luchanko* | 19 | Brantford Bulldogs (OHL) | PHI |
| Brady Martin | 18 | Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) | NSH |
| Porter Martone* | 19 | Michigan State (NCAA) | PHI |
| Gavin McKenna* | 17 | Penn State (NCAA) | 2026 eligible |
| Michael Misa | 18 | San Jose Sharks | SJS |
| Jake O'Brien | 18 | Brantford Bulldogs (OHL) | SEA |
| Sam O'Reilly | 19 | London Knights (OHL) | EDM |
| Cole Reschny | 18 | North Dakota (NCAA) | CGY |
* returning player
Defense
| Player | Age | Current team | NHL rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kashawn Aitcheson | 19 | Barrie Colts (OHL) | NYI |
| Harrison Brunicke | 19 | Pittsburgh Penguins | PIT |
| Carson Carels | 17 | Prince George Cougars (WHL) | 2026 eligible |
| Ben Danford | 19 | Brantford Bulldogs (OHL) | TOR |
| Ethan Mackenzie | 19 | Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) | 2026 eligible |
| Zayne Parekh | 19 | Calgary Flames | CGY |
| Cameron Reid | 18 | Kitchener Rangers (OHL) | NSH |
| Jackson Smith | 18 | Penn State (NCAA) | CBJ |
| Keaton Verhoeff | 17 | North Dakota (NCAA) | 2026 eligible |
Goaltenders
| Player | Age | Current team | NHL rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carter George* | 19 | Owen Sound Attack | LAK |
| Jack Ivankovic* | 18 | Michigan (NCAA) | NSH |
| Joshua Ravensbergen | 19 | Prince George Cougars (WHL) | SJS |
* returning player
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