Canada's National Men's Under-18 Team has finalized its roster of 25 players for the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship, aiming for a third consecutive gold. General manager Alan Millar and the coaching staff selected players showcasing a mix of experience, including gold and bronze medalists from previous international competitions. The tournament runs from April 22 to May 2 in Slovakia, opening with a match against the host nation. This blend of talent includes six players debuting in the Program of Excellence and a strong representation of past high-performing athletes. The officials are optimistic about the team's competitive edge as they prepare to represent Canada on the world stage.

By the Numbers
  • Canada's roster includes 3 gold medalists from the 2025 U18 Men’s Worlds.
  • 19 players have prior U17 World Challenge experience, with 9 earning gold and 10 earning silver.
State of Play
  • The tournament begins on April 22, featuring Canada versus Slovakia in the first match.
  • Canada's preliminary round includes matches against Latvia, Norway, and Finland.
What's Next

The Canadian team will aim to secure a strong start against Slovakia, setting the tone for their quest for gold. As the tournament unfolds, they will need to maintain their competitive edge to navigate through powerhouses like Finland and Latvia.

Bottom Line

This well-rounded Canadian roster blends youth and experience, positioning them as strong contenders for the championship. Their performance in the early matches will be pivotal in achieving their goal of gold.