As the city of Ottawa prepares to host the 2025 World Junior Hockey Championship from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5, Team Canada announced its 25-player roster following final eliminations on Friday night.
The tournament is often viewed as an “U20” event and is an opportunity for previously drafted prospects to shine on the world stage and further their career trajectories.
This version of Team Canada is unique. The roster includes dynamic forward Gavin McKenna from the Medicine Hat Tigers. McKenna is not eligible for the NHL draft until 2026. Also named to the team are 2025 draft-eligible prospects Porter Martone (forward, Brampton Steelheads), Matthew Shafer (defender, Erie Otters) and Jake Ivankovic (Goalie, Brampton Steelheads).
Below are the names representing Team Canada, followed by potential line combinations and starting netminders.
Gavin McKenna, LHP, 6-1, 183 pounds, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) — 2026 draft eligible
McKenna is the youngest but probably most dynamic forward on the Canadian roster. The soon-to-be 17-year-old is the WHL’s leading scorer with 19 goals and 41 assists. McKenna is eager to put the puck on his stick. He has the ability to drive plays on the rush and is always on the move in the offensive zone. He is cunning and difficult to check.
Bradley Nadeau, bud Right, 5-foot-10, 161 pounds, Chicago Wolves (AHL) — Carolina Hurricanes, 30th overall, 2023
Nadeau is an undersized, speedy forward with the ability to find quiet ice in the offensive zone and punish opponents with his offense. When Nadeau is defending on the weak side, he’s particularly confident in one-time pucks into the back of the net.
Braden Yeager, bud correct6′, 170 lbs., Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL) – Pittsburgh Penguins, 14th overall, 2023
The Winnipeg Jets acquired Yeager from the Pittsburgh Penguins last summer in exchange for rookie Rutger McGroarty. The Jager fits the mold of the Winnipeg Jets. His combination of playmaking and quick release make him an unpredictable opponent.
Jet Lukanco, bud correct5-foot-11, 187 pounds, Guelph Storm (OHL) — Philadelphia Flyers, 13th overall, 2024
Lukanco provides Canada with a “Swiss Army Knife” of forwards. What he lacks in pure dynamic offense, he makes up for with solid third-zone competition and hockey sense that can be deployed in a variety of roles.
Luca Pinelli, shoot left5-foot-9, 169 pounds, Ottawa 67s (OHL) — Columbus Blue Jackets, Fourth Round, No. 114 overall, 2023
Pinelli gives the team a power-play option. His shot is excellent both in front of the net and in high-danger areas of the offensive zone. Pinelli continues to evolve as he matures. He saw the ice and handed out more ice than in the past. Canada head coach Dave Cameron was Pinelli’s coach in Ottawa. He knows what Pinelli has to offer and who is the best fit for him on the roster.
Berkeley Carton, shoot left5-foot-10, 170 pounds, Spokane Chiefs (WHL) — Seattle Kraken, eighth overall, 2024
Carton uses the entire width and length of the ice to attack. He can handle all situations at the junior level. It would be a benefit for Team Canada if he can provide the defensive detail needed for a high-impact event like the WJC. If he does that, his offense will have a chance to shine. He is another high-end scorer on the roster. So far this season, Carton has 14 goals and 33 assists in the WHL.
Carson Rykopf, shoot left6-foot-1, 195 pounds, Brampton Steelheads (OHL) — Seattle Kraken, 2nd round, No. 50 overall, 2023
Rykopf has the ability to take over games offensively. He has great touch on the puck and a touch long enough to block opponents’ pucks as he drives toward the net. In his final 10 OHL games, Rykopf had 11 goals and seven assists. He’s the type of player who needs to play a higher role in the lineup. Rykopf is expected to be among Team Canada’s top six players and is expected to make an impact offensively.
Ethan Gauthier, bud correct5-foot-11, 186 pounds, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) — Tampa Bay Lightning, 2nd round, 37th overall, 2023
Gauthier brings a combination of skill and will to the team. He doesn’t take shortcuts and can fill a variety of roles. Team Canada has a ton of frontcourt skills. I’m looking for Gauthier to provide some back six power and kill penalty.
Callum Ridge, bud correct6-foot-2, 179 pounds, Oshawa Generals (OHL) — Colorado Avalanche, first round, 27th overall, 2023
Leach’s combination of size and skill gives Canada a top-six and, at worst, middle-six center option. He has the ability to execute creatively in faceoffs and is willing to run from the wall to the middle of the ice to generate offense. Ritchie has eight goals and 26 assists in just 18 OHL games this season.
Porter Martone, bud correct6-foot-3, 208 pounds, Brampton Steelheads (OHL) — 2025 draft eligible
Martone will be the No. 1 pick in next June’s draft. His size and skill are attractive assets. Martone has a knack for finding open ice in the offensive zone. He has a fatal release. The puck was up and down on his stick in an instant. Martone played 26 games for Brampton this year, contributing 21 goals and 33 assists.
Tanner Howe, shoot left5-foot-11, 182 pounds, Calgary Hitmen (WHL) — Pittsburgh Penguins, 2nd round, 46th overall, 2024
Howe can play a variety of roles, but I expect the majority of his ice time to come at even strength. He provides the team with better scoring than the secondary and provides another option for the power-play unit. Like most scorers, he excels when working with extra attackers on the weak side. Howe is also above-average defensively, allowing coaches to use him in multiple roles on the roster.
Cole Baudoin, shoot left6-foot-2, 206 pounds, Barrie Colts (OHL) — Utah Hockey Club, first round, 24th overall, 2024
Beaudoin brings a combination of power and understated technique. Once up to speed, he has a hard time resisting the rush. His ability to extend games in the trenches will be extremely valuable to Team Canada. Beaudoin is a power forward who can weaken opponents.
Easton Cowan, shoot left5-foot-11, 177 pounds, London Knights (OHL) — Toronto Maple Leafs, 28th overall, 2023
Cowan was injured in an OHL game against the Oshawa Generals and missed training camp. He scored in 56 consecutive games and was the reigning OHL MVP. He is a returning player from last year’s roster and will likely be counted on to provide an offensive role in the top six. Cowan is at his best when he displays maximum toughness in all three areas. His performance on and off the ice will lead to scoring opportunities for the team.
Mathieu Cataford, bud correct5-foot-11, 189 pounds, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL) — Vegas Golden Knights, third round, No. 77 overall, 2023
Cataford has been one of the QMJHL’s top scorers (249 points in 222 games) since entering the league in the 2021-22 season. When he smells an opportunity to pounce on the puck in the offensive zone, it usually leads to positive results. I’m interested in seeing how Cataford is deployed for Team Canada. He definitely has the ability to step into one of the power play units.
Andrew Gibson, RHP, 6-foot-4, 206 pounds, Soo Greyhounds (OHL) — Detroit Red Wings, 2nd round, 42nd overall, 2023
Gibson is expected to serve in a reserve role for Team Canada. He doesn’t contribute much offensively, but he plays hard in the trenches. Gibson was originally drafted by the Red Wings, but his rights were traded to the Nashville Predators in last year’s draft in Vegas.
Sam Dickinson, LHP, 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, London Knights (OHL) — San Jose Sharks, 11th overall, 2024
Dickinson was a workhorse. He has been effective in all situations with the youth team and his offense has reached another level this season (15 goals and 31 assists). Dickinson has the puck touch and vision to play quarterback on a power play. He’s the type of player who doesn’t appear to move very fast, but when he transitions the puck, his effortless pace can surprise opponents.
Caden Price, LHP, 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, Kelowna Rockets (WHL) — Seattle Kraken, third round, No. 84 overall, 2023
Price is a two-way defender who is better on offense than in the secondary. Team Canada may be looking for Price to fill a shutdown role for the team, and he’s very capable of that. I appreciate his agility and willingness to get involved in the field.
Oliver Bonk, RHP, 6-foot-2, 179 pounds, OHL — Philadelphia Flyers, 22nd overall, 2023
Bunker is another returner for Team Canada. He is the “glue” who has the skills to work in all situations. His offense isn’t jumping off the charts (six goals and 15 assists), but he has a sneaky shot in the middle of the offensive zone. Bunker’s game is mature.
Tanner Molendyk, LHP, 6′, 181 lbs., Saskatoon Blades (WHL) — Nashville Predators, 1st round, 24th overall, 2023
Molendik moves extremely well and has the skills to serve as one of Team Canada’s strong quarterbacks. He’s more of a distributor than a shooter. In the defensive zone. He is a “zone” defender who is able to steal time and space with his smarts and aggressive stick play.
Sawyer Mynio, LHP, 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) — Vancouver Canucks, third round, No. 89 overall, 2023
Mynio’s overall performance is on the rise. His spot on this list is well deserved. At the WHL level, Mynio can be used in all situations and provide secondary offense. His defensive detail and willingness to give opponents a hard time should make him a shutdown partner for Team Canada.
Beau Akey, RHP, 6′, 183 lbs., Barrie Colts (OHL) — Edmonton Oilers, 2nd round, 56th overall, 2023
Aki is a two-way/transition defenseman who has the ability to escape checks and use his legs to guide zone exits. In the offensive zone, he’s more of a distributor than a shooter. Aki has the potential to be a strong quarterback for Team Canada.
Matthew Schaefer, LHS, 6-foot-1, 183 pounds, Erie Otters (OHL) — 2025 draft eligible
Schaeffer is my personal No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft. He’s a well-rounded player, but he hasn’t been tested like he has been in this tournament. Schaefer averaged over 28:00 of ice time in the juniors. He can handle every situation. He’s physical, has the speed, skill and creativity to lead the offense and create offense.
Carter George, left receiver, 6-foot-1, 188 pounds, Owen Sound Attack (OHL) — Los Angeles Kings, second round, No. 57 overall, 2024
This is the ball George lost for Team Canada. He’s very athletic and competitive. George has great feet and low net pad coverage. He’s not the biggest goalie, but his speed makes up for his size. He’s the kind of goalie who can steal a game when needed.
Carson Bjarnason, left catcher, 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) — Philadelphia Flyers, second round, No. 51 overall, 2023
Bjarnason gives opponents a different look between the posts. He’s much bigger and more athletic than George. Bjarnason plays a butterfly style, and his length comes in handy in desperate save scenarios around his crease.
Jack Ivankovic, left receiver, 5-foot-11, 178 pounds, Brampton Steelheads (OHL) — 2025 draft eligible
Ivankovic performed well for Team Canada in the summer U18 Hlinka/Gretzky tournament. He led Team Canada to the gold medal with a goals against average of 0.75 and a save percentage of 0.967. Ivankovic makes up for his size with athleticism and excellent lateral movement. His ability to track the puck is excellent and put him in front of shooters as far as possible into the net.
I don’t have a crystal ball, but here are my best attempts at Team Canada’s line combinations:
McKenna-Jager-Nardeau
Rykopf – Their Struggle – Cowan
Baudouin-Richie-Martone
Howe-Carton-Gaudier
Dickinson-Shafer
Molendik-Bunker
Price—Mynio
Here – Gibson
