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Eight CHL players earn medals at the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship

Matt Tidcombe — Sun, 03 May 2026 05:19:57 +0000

CHL talent helped Slovakia and Czechia reach the podium in Slovakia, while several CHL skaters finished among the tournament’s top performers

On Saturday, eight players from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) earned medals at the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship in Slovakia. Headlining the group was Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) defenceman Filip Kovalcik, who helped host Slovakia capture silver after a 4-2 loss to Sweden in the gold medal game. Serving as an alternate captain, Kovalcik recorded one assist in seven tournament games as Slovakia reached the final for the first time since 2003 and secured only its second silver medal in program history at the event. Earlier in the day, Czechia and its seven CHL players claimed bronze with a 4-1 victory over Latvia. The result gave Czechia its first IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship medal since 2014, with CHL players represented across its lineup. That group included Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) goaltender Jan Larys, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) goaltender Marek Sklenicka, Red Deer Rebels (WHL) defenceman Jiri Kamas, Ottawa 67’s (OHL) defenceman Ondrej Ruml, Tri-City Americans (WHL) defenceman Jakub Vanecek, Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL) forward Adam Klaus, and Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) forward Jan Trefny. Latvia, which featured Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL) forward Martins Klaucans and Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) forward Olivers Murnieks, narrowly missed out on its first-ever medal at the U18 level, but still produced the country’s best finish in tournament history. Klaucans scored Latvia’s lone goal in the bronze medal game and finished the tournament with five goals, tied for the most among CHL skaters and one shy of the tournament lead. Saginaw Spirit (OHL) and Team Canada forward Dima Zhilkin also scored five goals while leading all CHL skaters with seven points (5G-2A). In goal, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) netminder Gavin Betts was among the tournament’s top performers for Canada, leading the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship in both goals-against average (1.07) and save percentage (.947), while also recording a tournament-best two shutouts in four games played. On the blue line, Vancouver Giants (WHL) defenceman Ryan Lin of Canada and Ottawa 67’s (OHL) rearguard Ondrej Ruml of Czechia each registered six points, finishing tied for the tournament lead among defencemen. Additionally, five CHL skaters were selected among the top three players of the tournament for their respective countries: Ruml for Czechia, Klaucans and Murnieks for Latvia, and Zhilkin and Lin for Canada. In total, 36 CHL-developed players competed at the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship. Those 36 players — including 35 who are currently playing in the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL — gave the CHL the largest player contingent of any development league at the tournament. The CHL was also the only development league in the world with players on six of the 10 participating nations’ rosters. Canada led the way with 23 CHL-developed players, followed by Czechia with seven. Latvia and the United States each featured two, while Germany and Slovakia each had one. 36 CHL-developed players to compete at the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship SILVER – SLOVAKIA (1) (D) Filip Kovalcik (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL) BRONZE – CZECHIA (7) (G) Jan Larys (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL) (G) Marek Sklenicka (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL) (D) Jiri Kamas (Red Deer Rebels / WHL) (D) Ondrej Ruml (Ottawa 67’s / OHL) (D) Jakub Vanecek (Tri-City Americans / WHL) (F) Adam Klaus (Cape Breton Eagles / QMJHL) (F) Jan Trefny (Moose Jaw Warriors / WHL) CANADA (23) (G) Gavin Betts (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL) (G) Carter Esler (Spokane Chiefs / WHL) (G) Patrick Déniger (Québec Remparts / QMJHL) (D) Lucas Ambrosio (Erie Otters / OHL) (D) Cameron Chartrand (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) (D) Callum Croskery (Soo Greyhounds / OHL) (D) Kohyn Eshkawkogan (Ottawa 67/s / OHL) (D) Carter Hicks (Brampton Steelheads / OHL) (D) Ryan Lin (Vancouver Giants / WHL) (D) Ben MacBeath (Calgary Hitmen / WHL) (D) Keaton Verhoeff (Victoria Royals / WHL; University of North Dakota / NCAA) (F) Ryder Cali (North Bay Battalion / OHL) (F) Maddox Dagenais (Québec Remparts / QMJHL) (F) Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting / OHL) (F) Beckett Hamilton (Red Deer Rebels / WHL) (F) Jaxon Jacobson (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL) (F) Alexis Joseph (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) (F) Jean-Cristoph Lemieux (Sudbury Wolves / OHL) (F) Zach Olsen (Saskatoon Blades / WHL) (F) Mathis Preston (Vancouver Giants / WHL) (F) Thomas Rousseau (Sherbrooke Phoenix / QMJHL) (F) Thomas Vandenberg (Ottawa 67’s / OHL) (F) Dima Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit / OHL) GERMANY (1) (D) Darian Rolsing (Wenatchee Wild / WHL) LATVIA (2) (F) Martins Klaucans (Sherbrooke Phoenix / QMJHL) (F) Olivers Murnieks (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) UNITED STATES (2) (D) Levi Harper (Saginaw Spirit / OHL) (F) Brooks Rogowski (Oshawa Generals / OHL)

Griffin Seafoot Named Champions of Tomorrow Scholarship Recipient by Papa Johns Canada and the CHL

Matt Tidcombe — Fri, 01 May 2026 16:55:58 +0000

British Columbia student-athlete to receive $25,000 scholarship during the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota.

Papa Johns Canada and the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) are proud to announce Griffin Seafoot of Kamloops, B.C., as the recipient of the Champions of Tomorrow Scholarship. Created to recognize young Canadians who demonstrate leadership, character, and a drive to excel both on and off the ice, the Champions of Tomorrow Scholarship awards $25,000 to a youth hockey player making a lasting difference through sport, academics, and service. Selected from nominations submitted across Canada, Griffin stood out for his achievements in hockey and academics, as well as his commitment to helping others in his community. A goaltender from Kamloops, Griffin has earned praise for his leadership, drive, and strong character. He maintains an “A” average while mentoring younger players and supporting local minor hockey programs. At just 12 years old, he launched a school food drive that has since grown into a district-wide initiative, collecting more than 10,000 pounds of food over the past four years. Griffin was also recently accepted into Shad Canada, one of the country’s leading youth leadership and STEM programs, where he will take part this summer at St. Francis Xavier University. Looking ahead, Griffin hopes to study engineering at the University of Waterloo. “Griffin is exactly the type of young person this scholarship was created to recognize,” said Michael Prentice, Senior Franchise Growth Director at Papa Johns Canada. “He leads by example, works hard, and has already made a meaningful difference in the lives of others. We’re proud to support his future and recognize everything he has already accomplished.” “Griffin embodies everything the Champions of Tomorrow Scholarship is meant to celebrate,” said Ryan Hudecki, Vice-President of Partnerships for the CHL. “He has distinguished himself not only through his achievements in hockey and academics, but also through his leadership and commitment to helping others in his community. We are proud to celebrate Griffin with Papa Johns Canada and look forward to recognizing him at the 2026 Memorial Cup.” Griffin will receive his $25,000 scholarship and be recognized during the championship game at the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota in Kelowna, B.C., on May 31, 2026. The Champions of Tomorrow Program launched earlier this year through the partnership between Papa Johns Canada and the CHL, reflecting a shared commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders through hockey and celebrating young Canadians who are making a difference in their communities. For the CHL, the Champions of Tomorrow Program builds on a long-standing commitment to education and life beyond the rink. Over the decades, Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) clubs have collectively invested more than $100 million in post-secondary education for graduating players. In 2024–25 alone, 975 CHL graduates enrolled at post-secondary institutions, supported by more than $7.68 million in scholarships awarded to WHL, OHL, and QMJHL players. Separate from the Champions of Tomorrow Scholarship, the CHL also supports education through the Memorial Cup Legacy Scholarship Program. First established as part of the 2022 Memorial Cup in Saint John, N.B., the Memorial Cup Legacy Scholarship Program supports students pursuing post-secondary education in Memorial Cup host communities by awarding two $5,000 academic scholarships annually for five years following each tournament. These scholarships reflect the CHL’s commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and lasting legacy, and will continue as the Memorial Cup travels to future host cities, including Kelowna. About the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is the world’s largest development hockey league with 52 Canadian and nine American teams participating in the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League (NHL) and U SPORTS than any other league. During the 2025-26 season, of the more than 1,033 players who played a game in the NHL, over 475 came through the CHL. At the 2025 NHL Draft, 90 CHL players were selected, including 21 in the first round. For more information regarding the CHL, please visit chl.ca. About Papa Johns Papa John’s International, Inc. (Nasdaq: PZZA) opened its doors in 1984 with one goal in mind: BETTER INGREDIENTS. BETTER PIZZA.® Papa Johns believes that using high-quality ingredients leads to superior quality pizzas. Its original dough is made of only six ingredients and is fresh, never frozen. Papa Johns tops its pizzas with real cheese made from mozzarella, pizza sauce made with vine-ripened tomatoes that go from vine to can in the same day and meat free of fillers. It was the first national pizza delivery chain to announce the removal of artificial flavors and synthetic colors from its entire food menu. Papa Johns is co-headquartered in Atlanta, Ga. and Louisville, Ky. and is the world’s third-largest pizza delivery company with approximately 6,000 restaurants in approximately 50 countries and territories. For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit www.PapaJohns.ca or download the Papa Johns mobile app for iOS or Android.

Former OHL executive Donskov named Canada head coach for 2027 World Juniors

Matt Tidcombe — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:00:51 +0000

From Hockey Canada CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced that Misha Donskov (London, ON) will serve as head coach at three marquee events through the 2026-27 season as part of his expanded role in hockey operations. Donskov will serve as head coach of Canada’s National Men’s Team and Canada’s National Junior Team while building the coaching staffs for both teams, beginning with his international head coaching debut at the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Zürich and Fribourg, Switzerland. Donskov will also lead the team at the 2027 edition of the event in Düsseldorf and Mannheim, Germany, and will take the reins as head coach at the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship, which returns to Canadian ice in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta, in December 2026. Hired as vice-president of hockey operations and men’s national team coach on June 27, 2025, Donskov will expand his role in this position while reporting to Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations. He will implement the vision and technical strategies for Hockey Canada’s men’s, women’s and para hockey teams while strengthening the alignment between the organization’s hockey operations and business operations staffs. “Misha is an integral member of our hockey operations staff, and his contributions to successful teams at Hockey Canada over the years, as well as his NHL and OHL coaching and front office experience make him the perfect fit to lead our National Men’s Team and National Junior Team as head coach starting next month,” Salmond said. “Misha is a world-class coach, and we are fortunate to have him building the coaching and support staffs that will put us in a position to win multiple gold medals at two of the marquee events on the international hockey calendar.” Previously, Donskov was an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars for two seasons (2023-25), and spent more than three years (2020-23) as an assistant and four (2016-20) as director of hockey operations with the Vegas Golden Knights, winning the Stanley Cup in 2023. Internationally, he won a silver medal at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games and gold at the 4 Nations Face-Off as an assistant coach, as well as IIHF World Championship gold medals as video coach (2015) and assistant coach (2016). Donskov has also won gold and bronze at the 2015 and 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, respectively, serving as video coach (2015) and associate coach (2026), as well as bronze at the 2014 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship as video coach. He also won the 2016 World Cup of Hockey as an assistant, the 2019 Spengler Cup as director of hockey operations and assistant coach, and the 2013 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka as video coach. Donskov also spent five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the London Knights (2009-12) and Ottawa 67s (2012-14), highlighted by an OHL championship as London’s assistant general manager and assistant coach in 2012. In addition to his coaching and management career, Donskov has extensive experience in hockey development, including previous NHL roles with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Atlanta Thrashers. Prior to pursuing a full-time career in hockey, Donskov spent six years with Cardinal Health, a Fortune 500 global, integrated healthcare solutions company. He held roles of increasing responsibility in finance, sales, and sales management. He holds a master's degree in kinesiology with a specialization in coaching education from the University of Western Ontario. “Representing Canada on the international stage is a huge honour, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead Canada’s National Men’s Team and Canada’s National Junior Team as head coach at three marquee world championships,” Donskov said. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with my colleagues in hockey operations and throughout Hockey Canada, as well as coaches and staff throughout the National Hockey League and Canadian Hockey League, to build teams and programs that give us the best chance to win gold medals.” Canada’s National Men’s Team coaching staff for the 2026 IIHF World Championship will be announced in the coming days, while the coaching staff for Canada’s National Junior Team will be announced at a later date.

CHL unveils players ranked No. 20 through No. 11 on Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list

Matt Tidcombe — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:55:37 +0000

The Top 50 players were selected through an initial media vote, with the final order determined by a weighted combination of media and fan voting. After unveiling players ranked No. 50 through No. 21 over the past three weeks, the CHL continues the countdown today, with full player bios available at chl.ca/chl50.

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to unveil the players ranked No. 20 through No. 11 on its Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list (see below), a marquee initiative of the CHL’s 50th anniversary season. The countdown recognizes the greatest players from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) since 1975-76, celebrating the stars who have defined major junior hockey over the past five decades. As part of the initiative, a panel of media members first selected the Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years. The final ranking order was then determined using a weighted formula that combined media and fan voting to rank the players from No. 1 through No. 50. After unveiling players ranked No. 50 through No. 21 over the past three weeks, the CHL’s countdown continues today with one of the most accomplished 10-player groups on the list. The players ranked No. 20 through No. 11 feature a balanced mix of elite forwards, franchise goaltenders, and era-defining defencemen, including four players from the OHL, four from the QMJHL, and two from the WHL. The group includes eight Hockey Hall of Fame inductees, four Memorial Cup champions, two CHL Player of the Year recipients, two No. 1 NHL Draft picks, and two Triple Gold Club members. It also features the two highest-ranked goaltenders on the CHL Top 50 list in Martin Brodeur (No. 17) and Patrick Roy (No. 16), two of the most accomplished netminders in hockey history. Four of the nine defencemen named to the full Top 50 also appear in this range: Al MacInnis, Chris Pronger, Paul Coffey, and Scott Niedermayer. KEY FACTS & MEDIA NOTES: CHL TOP 50 PLAYERS KEY FACTS & MEDIA NOTES: PLAYERS RANKED NO. 20 THROUGH NO. 11 MEDIA RESOURCES (PHOTOS, LOGOS, VIDEOS & MORE) PLAYERS RANKED NO. 50 THROUGH 41 PLAYERS RANKED NO. 40 THROUGH 31 PLAYERS RANKED NO. 30 THROUGH 21 20. Pat LaFontaine, Forward | QMJHL | Verdun Juniors (1982-83) | New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres & New York Rangers (1983-98): LaFontaine authored one of the most historic rookie seasons in CHL history with Verdun in 1982-83, producing 234 points in 70 games — including 104 goals and 130 assists — to establish CHL single-season rookie records in all three categories. He led the QMJHL in scoring, recorded at least one point in 69 of 70 games, captured QMJHL MVP and Playoff MVP honours, and was named CHL Player of the Year after helping Verdun win the QMJHL championship. Selected third overall in 1983, LaFontaine went on to record six straight 40-goal seasons in the NHL, won the Bill Masterton Trophy, posted a Buffalo Sabres franchise-record 148 points in 1992-93, and finished with 1,013 career points on his way to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Internationally, he won the 1996 World Cup of Hockey with the United States and represented his country at two Olympic Winter Games. 19. Al MacInnis, Defenceman | OHL | Kitchener Rangers (1980-83) | Calgary Flames & St. Louis Blues (1980-2004): MacInnis became a star on the Kitchener blue line after beginning his CHL career with two WHL games for Regina, helping the Rangers win back-to-back OHL championships and the 1982 Memorial Cup. He earned OHL First All-Star Team honours in consecutive seasons and captured the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL’s top defenceman in 1982-83 after tying Bobby Orr’s OHL record for goals by a defenceman with 38. Drafted 15th overall by Calgary in 1981, MacInnis became one of the most feared shooters and productive defencemen in NHL history, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy while leading the Flames to the Stanley Cup in 1989 and later capturing the Norris Trophy with St. Louis. A Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, he retired with 1,274 points in 1,416 NHL games. Internationally, he won Canada Cup gold in 1991 and Olympic gold with Canada in 2002. 18. Chris Pronger, Defenceman | OHL | Peterborough Petes (1991-93) | Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks & Philadelphia Flyers (1993-2012): Pronger’s dominance took shape in Peterborough, where the towering defenceman posted 139 points across two regular seasons before delivering one of the greatest playoff runs ever by an OHL blueliner. In 1992-93, he recorded 40 points in 21 playoff games — still the OHL single-playoff scoring record for a defenceman — while leading the Petes to the OHL championship. That season, he was named OHL and CHL Defenceman of the Year, earned First All-Star Team honours in both, and captured the CHL Plus/Minus Award. Selected second overall in 1993, Pronger became one of the NHL’s defining defencemen, winning the Hart and Norris trophies, capturing the Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007, and earning recognition as one of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players. Internationally, he became a Triple Gold Club member with Olympic gold, World Championship gold, and a Stanley Cup. 17. Martin Brodeur, Goaltender | QMJHL | Saint-Hyacinthe Lasers (1989-92) | New Jersey Devils & St. Louis Blues (1991-2015): Brodeur developed into one of hockey’s greatest goaltenders with Saint-Hyacinthe, where he spent three seasons in the QMJHL and earned QMJHL All-Rookie and Second All-Star Team honours. His junior career helped lay the foundation for one of the most decorated goaltending résumés in hockey history. Selected 20th overall by New Jersey in 1990, Brodeur became the NHL’s all-time leader among goaltenders in wins, shutouts, and games played. He won three Stanley Cups with the Devils, four Vezina Trophies, five William M. Jennings Trophies, and the Calder Trophy, while also being named one of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players. Internationally, Brodeur won Olympic gold with Canada in 2002 and 2010 and backstopped Canada to the 2004 World Cup of Hockey title. 16. Patrick Roy, Goaltender | QMJHL | Granby Bisons (1982-85) | Montreal Canadiens & Colorado Avalanche (1984-2003): Roy’s path to greatness began with the Granby Bisons, where he became a workhorse in the crease during three QMJHL seasons. Facing heavy shot volumes throughout his junior career, Roy earned QMJHL Third All-Star Team honours as a 17-year-old and continued to anchor Granby before making the jump to professional hockey. His junior legacy remains firmly tied to the QMJHL, where he was later inducted into the league’s Hall of Fame and had the QMJHL Goaltender of the Year award named in his honour. In the NHL, Roy became one of the most decorated goaltenders in history, winning four Stanley Cups, three Conn Smythe Trophies — the most by any player — and three Vezina Trophies. A Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, Roy was the first NHL goaltender to reach 500 wins and 1,000 games played, and he remains one of the sport’s greatest playoff performers. 15. John Tavares, Forward | OHL | Oshawa Generals & London Knights (2005-09) | New York Islanders & Toronto Maple Leafs (2009-Present): The first player ever granted exceptional status into the OHL, Tavares entered the league at 15 and quickly became one of the most prolific scorers in CHL history. He won OHL and CHL Rookie of the Year honours in 2005-06, then erupted for 72 goals and 134 points the following season to capture the Red Tilson Trophy as OHL MVP and become the youngest CHL Player of the Year winner ever. Tavares later won the Eddie Powers Trophy as OHL scoring champion, earned the CHL Top Prospect Award, and became the OHL’s all-time goals leader with 215. Selected first overall by the New York Islanders in 2009, Tavares has gone on to captain both the Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs while reaching the 1,000-game, 1,000-point, and 500-goal milestones. Internationally, he won two World Juniors gold medals, Olympic gold in 2014, and World Cup gold in 2016. 14. Jarome Iginla, Forward | WHL | Kamloops Blazers (1993-96) | Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche & Los Angeles Kings (1995-2017): Undrafted in the WHL Bantam Draft, Iginla became a Kamloops Blazers icon, helping the club win back-to-back WHL championships and Memorial Cup titles in 1994 and 1995. He then delivered a dominant 1995-96 season with 136 points in 63 games, earning WHL Player of the Year honours along with CHL First Team All-Star recognition. In 183 regular-season WHL games, Iginla totaled 236 points and added 56 more in 56 playoff contests. Drafted 11th overall by Dallas in 1995, Iginla became the Calgary Flames’ all-time leader in goals, points, and games played, while winning the Art Ross Trophy, two Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies, and surpassing both 600 goals and 1,300 points. A Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, he was also a cornerstone for Canada internationally, winning World Juniors gold, World Championship gold, World Cup gold, and two Olympic gold medals. 13. Nathan MacKinnon, Forward | QMJHL | Halifax Mooseheads (2011-13) | Colorado Avalanche (2013-Present): MacKinnon was a game-breaking force with the Halifax Mooseheads, recording 153 points in 102 regular-season games and adding 61 points in 34 playoff contests. In 2012-13, he helped lead Halifax to the QMJHL championship before delivering a defining Memorial Cup performance, posting 13 points in five games and earning tournament MVP honours after a championship-game hat trick against Portland. Selected first overall by Colorado in 2013 as the first Mooseheads alumnus ever taken No. 1, MacKinnon has become one of the NHL’s most dominant players. He has won the Stanley Cup, Hart Trophy, Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award, highlighted by a 140-point season in 2023-24, and reached his 1,000th NHL point in 2025. Internationally, he has won gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and IIHF World Championship, and was named MVP of the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off after leading Canada in goals. 12. Paul Coffey, Defenceman | OHL | Kingston Canadians, Soo Greyhounds & Kitchener Rangers (1977-80) | Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes & Boston Bruins (1980-2001): Coffey’s Hall of Fame career was launched in the OHL, where he developed into one of the most dynamic offensive defencemen the sport has ever seen. After beginning with Kingston, he broke out with the Soo Greyhounds in 1978-79, recording 89 points and setting a single-season franchise record for assists by a defenceman that he still shares. He closed his junior career in 1979-80 by totaling 102 points between Soo and Kitchener, becoming one of only a select group of OHL defencemen since 1975 to reach 100 points in a season. Drafted sixth overall by Edmonton in 1980, Coffey became a prototype for the modern high-octane defenceman, winning four Stanley Cups and three Norris Trophies while setting the NHL single-season record for goals by a defenceman with 48. He retired with 1,531 NHL points, the second-most by a defenceman in league history. Internationally, he won three Canada Cups with Canada. 11. Scott Niedermayer, Defenceman | WHL | Kamloops Blazers (1989-92) | New Jersey Devils & Anaheim Ducks (1991-2010): Niedermayer’s championship pedigree was forged with the Kamloops Blazers, where he became one of the WHL’s premier two-way defencemen. He posted 69 points as a 16-year-old rookie in 1989-90 while helping Kamloops win the WHL title, then followed with a career-best 82 points in 1990-91 while earning WHL and CHL Scholastic Player of the Year honours. In 1991-92, Niedermayer helped the Blazers capture another WHL championship and their first Memorial Cup, assisting on the Cup-winning goal with 14.6 seconds remaining and earning Stafford Smythe Trophy honours as Memorial Cup MVP. Selected third overall by New Jersey in 1991, he went on to win four Stanley Cups, the Norris Trophy, and the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2007. A Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, Niedermayer also became one of hockey’s ultimate winners internationally, capturing World Junior gold, two Olympic gold medals, World Championship gold, and World Cup gold. He remains one of only two players in hockey history, alongside Corey Perry, to win the Memorial Cup, World Juniors, Olympic gold, IIHF World Championship, World Cup of Hockey, and Stanley Cup. The Top 10 players on the CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list will be revealed over the coming weeks. CHL Top 50 Evaluation Criteria and Eligibility The CHL’s Top 50 Players were selected by a panel of more than 40 media members who submitted ranked 1–50 ballots guided by a weighted evaluation framework designed to ensure consistency across eras. Panelists considered a player’s impact beyond the CHL — including NHL and international success, major awards and championships, and Hall of Fame recognition — alongside on-ice achievement in the Member Leagues, reflecting what players accomplished during their time in the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL through production, individual honours, team success, and sustained dominance. Selections also accounted for historical significance, recognizing milestones, era-defining influence, generational impact, and lasting contributions to CHL history. To be eligible, players must have competed in at least one full season in the WHL, OHL, or QMJHL during the CHL’s 50-year history beginning in 1975–76; for players who competed in 1975–76 and also played prior to that season, their entire CHL career was considered when evaluating on-ice accomplishments.

DiPietro named AHL MVP; Protas collects Rookie of Year honours

Matt Tidcombe — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:00:12 +0000

Former Windsor Spitfires and Ottawa 67's goaltender Michael DiPietro - as well as former Spits forward Ilya Protas - have collected major AHL awards for their performance in the regular season. DiPietro collected the Les Cunningham Award as the league’s most valuable player for the 2025–26 season but also earned the Aldege “Baz” Bastien Memorial Award as the AHL’s outstanding goaltender for the second consecutive season. He is just the ninth goaltender in AHL history to league MVP. In 2025-26, the Windsor, ON., native posted a record of 34-8-1 and led the entire league in goals-against average (1.91), save percentage (.930) and wins (34). DiPietro also ranked fifth in minutes played (2,644), shots faced (1,202) and saves (1,118). In his OHL career from 2015-2019, DiPietro made 174 regular season appearances and compiled a 98-53-8-5 record, along with a 2.52 GAA, .913 save percentage and a league-record 19 shutouts. In 2017, he backstopped Windsor to a Memorial Cup title and claimed the Hap Emms Memorial Trophy as the tournament’s top goaltender after going a perfect 4-0-0. To date, DiPietro has made four NHL appearances. As for Protas, he won the league's Dudley (Red) Garrett Memorial Award as outstanding rookie. The 19-year-old Protas led all AHL rookies in scoring and tied for sixth overall in the league with 66 points (29 goals, 37 assists) in 69 regular-season games for Hershey in 2025-26, pacing the team in goals, points, power-play goals (11) and plus/minus rating (+17). His 66 points were the fourth-most by a teenager in AHL history. In his only OHL season in 2024-25, he had 50 goals and 124 points in 61 games. He also made his NHL debut this season where he had four points (one goal) in four contests.

Canada’s Betts and Esler slam door shut throughout U18 round-robin

Matt Tidcombe — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:04:46 +0000

While Dima Zhilkin has rightfully taken the offensive spotlight at the 2026 U18 World Championships in Slovakia, Canada's goaltending pair of Gavin Betts and Carter Esler have been nothing short of exceptional. At the conclusion of the round-robin, the duo - who play for Kingston and Spokane respectively - haven't conceded a goal in 191:17 of action as Canada recorded three consecutive shutouts. On April 23, Esler stopped all 18 shots in a 6-0 win over Latvia while on April 25, Betts made 12 saves in an 8-0 decision over Norway. On April 27, Betts again got the start and turned away 19 shots in a 7-0 victory against Finland. Even in Canada's lone loss - a 2-1 defeat to hosts Slovakia - Betts and Esler made a combined 15 saves. Betts left the game in the third with cramp. All in all, Betts owns a .980 save percentage and 0.36 GAA in three games and is currently riding a 132:49 scoreless streak and has turned away 49 of the 50 shots he has faced. As for Esler, he has a line of a .952 save percentage and 0.81 GAA in a pair of appearances. As per usual, NHL scouts are at the event in droves before June's NHL Draft. Betts was recently ranked the 24th North American goalie for the 2026 edition while Esler isn't draft eligible until 2027. In the 2025-26 regular, both enjoyed considerable success. Esler - who doesn't turn 18 until late November - won 24 games and led the WHL with five shutouts as he posted a .903 save percentage and 2.80 GAA. The 18-year-old Betts' 21 wins were the second most among qualified rookie OHL netminders while he posted a 2.81 GAA and .905 save percentage. When Canada hits the ice against Sweden Wednesday in the quarterfinals, the expectation is that Betts will the first player on the ice. But if Esler is called into action again, you know Canada are still in capable hands between the pipes.

CHL unveils players ranked No. 30 through No. 21 on Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list

Matt Tidcombe — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:23:45 +0000

The Top 50 players were selected through an initial media vote, with the final order determined by a weighted combination of media and fan voting. After unveiling players ranked No. 50 through No. 31 over the past two weeks, the CHL continues the countdown today, with full player bios available at chl.ca/chl50.

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to unveil the players ranked No. 30 through No. 21 on its Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list (see below), a marquee initiative of the CHL’s 50th anniversary season. The countdown recognizes the greatest players from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) since 1975-76, celebrating the stars who have defined major junior hockey over the past five decades. As part of the initiative, a panel of media members first selected the Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years (since 1975-76). The final ranking order was then determined using a weighted formula that combined media and fan voting to rank the players from No. 1 through No. 50. Over the last two weeks, the CHL has revealed the players ranked No. 50 through No. 31, beginning with No. 50 through No. 41 and continuing with No. 40 through No. 31. Today, the countdown moves on with the next group of players. KEY FACTS & MEDIA NOTES: CHL TOP 50 PLAYERS MEDIA RESOURCES (PHOTOS, LOGOS, VIDEOS & MORE) 30. Connor Bedard, Forward | WHL | Regina Pats (2020-23) | Chicago Blackhawks (2023-Present): Granted exceptional status in 2020, Bedard became the WHL’s first exceptional player and totaled 271 points in 134 games over three seasons with Regina. He capped his junior career with a CHL-best 143 points in 57 games in 2022-23, sweeping CHL Top Draft Prospect, CHL Top Scorer, and CHL David Branch Player of the Year honours — becoming the first player ever to win all three in one season. Selected first overall in 2023, Bedard made an immediate impact in the NHL by winning the Calder Trophy in 2024. Internationally, he won back-to-back World Juniors gold medals and was named tournament MVP in 2023. 29. Denis Savard, Forward | QMJHL | Montreal Juniors (1977-80) | Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens & Tampa Bay Lightning (1980-97): Savard was a dynamic star with the Montreal Juniors, recording 455 points in 214 games and posting three straight 100-point seasons. He won QMJHL Rookie of the Year in 1977-78 and QMJHL MVP in 1979-80 after a dominant 181-point campaign. Drafted third overall in 1980, Savard became one of the NHL’s elite offensive talents, topping 100 points five times, winning the Stanley Cup with Montreal in 1993, and finishing with 1,338 career points on his way to the Hockey Hall of Fame. 28. Mike Modano, Forward | WHL | Prince Albert Raiders (1986-89) | Minnesota North Stars / Dallas Stars & Detroit Red Wings (1988-2011): Modano totaled 294 points in 176 games across three WHL seasons with Prince Albert and earned WHL Eastern Conference First All-Star Team honours in 1988-89. Selected first overall in 1988, he became the first American from the CHL taken No. 1 in the NHL Draft. Modano went on to a Hall of Fame career in the NHL, winning the Stanley Cup with Dallas in 1999 and finishing with 561 goals and 1,374 points, long recognized as one of the greatest U.S.-born players in NHL history. Internationally, he won the 1996 World Cup of Hockey and earned Olympic silver in 2002. 27. Grant Fuhr, Goaltender | WHL | Victoria Cougars (1979-81) | Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues & Calgary Flames (1981-2000): Fuhr won 78 games in just two WHL seasons with Victoria, earning WHL Rookie of the Year in 1979-80 and WHL Goaltender of the Year in 1980-81 while helping the Cougars capture a WHL Championship title in 1981. Chosen eighth overall in 1981, Fuhr became the backbone of the Oilers dynasty, winning five Stanley Cups and the Vezina Trophy. A Hall of Famer, he finished with 403 NHL wins and remains one of the most accomplished goaltenders in NHL history. Internationally, Fuhr also won Canada Cup gold in 1984 and 1987. 26. Luc Robitaille, Forward | QMJHL | Hull Olympiques (1983-86) | Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers & Detroit Red Wings (1986-2006): Robitaille amassed 424 points in 197 games with Hull and was named CHL Player of the Year in 1985-86 after a brilliant 191-point season. He also led the Olympiques to a QMJHL title and starred at the Memorial Cup, confirming his status as one of junior hockey’s premier scorers. Drafted by Los Angeles in 1984, Robitaille became one of the NHL’s top goal scorers, winning the Calder Trophy, producing eight straight 40-goal seasons, capturing the Stanley Cup with Detroit, and finishing with 668 goals and 1,394 points en route to the Hall of Fame. Internationally, he won gold at both the Canada Cup and World Championship. 25. Marc-André Fleury, Goaltender | QMJHL | Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (2000-04) | Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, Chicago Blackhawks & Minnesota Wild (2003-25): Fleury developed into one of the QMJHL’s premier goaltenders in Cape Breton, earning the QMJHL’s Defensive Player of the Year and Top Prospect (Michael-Bossy Trophy) honours in 2002-03. Selected first overall in 2003, he remains the only CHL goaltender ever taken No. 1 in the NHL Draft. Fleury went on to build a remarkable NHL career, winning three Stanley Cups, capturing the Vezina Trophy, playing more than 1,000 games, and finishing among the winningest goaltenders in league history. Internationally, he won Olympic gold with Canada and twice claimed World Juniors silver. 24. Corey Perry, Forward | OHL | London Knights (2001-05) | Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers & Los Angeles Kings (2005-Present): Perry set a London Knights franchise record with 380 points in 253 games and won OHL MVP (Red Tilson Trophy) in 2004-05 after a 130-point season. He then led London to its first Memorial Cup championship, earning both OHL Playoff (Wayne Gretzky 99 Award) and Memorial Cup MVP (Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy) honours along the way and capping one of the finest careers in Knights franchise history. Perry carried that winning pedigree into the NHL, capturing the Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007, winning the Hart and Rocket Richard trophies in 2010-11, and building one of hockey’s most decorated professional and international résumés. Internationally, he is one of only two players ever to win all six major titles: the Memorial Cup, Stanley Cup, World Juniors, Olympics, World Championship, and World Cup of Hockey. 23. Doug Gilmour, Forward | OHL & QMJHL | Cornwall Royals (1980-83) | St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Chicago Blackhawks, Buffalo Sabres & Montreal Canadiens (1983-2003): Gilmour helped Cornwall win the 1981 Memorial Cup, scoring the championship-winning goal, then exploded after the franchise moved to the OHL. In 1982-83, he led the OHL in goals, assists, and points with 177, winning both the Eddie Powers (OHL Top Scorer) and Red Tilson (OHL MVP) trophies while cementing himself as one of junior hockey’s premier stars. A seventh-round NHL pick in 1982, Gilmour went on to a Hall of Fame career, winning the Stanley Cup with Calgary in 1989 and finishing with 1,414 points in 1,474 NHL games. Internationally, he also won Canada Cup gold in 1987. 22. Carey Price, Goaltender | WHL | Tri-City Americans (2002-07) | Montreal Canadiens (2007-22): Price starred over four seasons in Tri-City, earning WHL and CHL Goaltender of the Year honours in 2006-07 and finishing with franchise records for career shutouts and shutouts in a season. His junior résumé established him as one of the top goaltending prospects of his generation. Chosen fifth overall by Montreall at the 2005 NHL Draft, he became the winningest goaltender in Canadiens history. Price’s peak in the NHL came in 2014-15, when he won the Hart, Vezina, Ted Lindsay, and Jennings trophies, cementing his place among the defining goaltenders of his era. Internationally, he won gold at the World Juniors, Olympics, and World Cup of Hockey. 21. Patrick Kane, Forward | OHL | London Knights (2006-07) | Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers & Detroit Red Wings (2007-Present): Kane delivered one of the greatest rookie seasons in CHL history in 2006-07, recording 145 points in 58 games with London while capturing the OHL and CHL scoring titles, along with CHL Rookie of the Year honours. His lone season in junior instantly secured his place among the game’s elite talents. Selected first overall in 2007, Kane became one of the NHL’s most decorated stars, winning three Stanley Cups along with the Conn Smythe, Calder, Hart, Ted Lindsay, and Art Ross trophies, and later becoming the all-time leading scorer among U.S.-born players. Internationally, he won Olympic silver and was MVP of the 2018 World Championship. Further rankings from the Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list will be revealed in the coming weeks. CHL Top 50 Evaluation Criteria and Eligibility The CHL’s Top 50 Players were selected by a panel of more than 40 media members who submitted ranked 1–50 ballots guided by a weighted evaluation framework designed to ensure consistency across eras. Panelists considered a player’s impact beyond the CHL — including NHL and international success, major awards and championships, and Hall of Fame recognition — alongside on-ice achievement in the Member Leagues, reflecting what players accomplished during their time in the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL through production, individual honours, team success, and sustained dominance. Selections also accounted for historical significance, recognizing milestones, era-defining influence, generational impact, and lasting contributions to CHL history. To be eligible, players must have competed in at least one full season in the WHL, OHL, or QMJHL during the CHL’s 50-year history beginning in 1975–76; for players who competed in 1975–76 and also played prior to that season, their entire CHL career was considered when evaluating on-ice accomplishments.

2026 U18 World Championship updates

Matt Tidcombe — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:52:35 +0000

May 2 Sweden won the third gold medal in their U18 program history after a 4-2 victory over hosts Slovakia. In defeat, Filip Kovalcik (Drummondville / QMJHL) played 15:07 and tallied four shots on goal as Slovakia won just its third ever medal at the event and first in 23 years. Czechia won its first medal at the U18 World Championships since 2014 after a 4-1 win over Latvia to win bronze. Ondrej Ruml (Ottawa / OHL) and Jakub Vanecek (Tri-City / WHL) each registered an assist in the win as Czechia secured its fifth ever medal at the event. In goal, Marek Sklenicka (Seattle / WHL) stopped 21 of the 22 shots he faced. As for Latvia, Martins Klaucans (Sherbrooke / QMJHL) scored as they recorded their best ever finish at the U18's. https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2050601161141445099 May 1 Hosts Slovakia have reached the final of the U18 World Championships after a 1-0 shutout win over Latvia. Filip Kovalcik (Drummondville / QMJHL) played 21:25 and recorded two shots in the win. They will meet Sweden who defeated Czechia 4-3 in overtime. Jakub Vanecek (Tri-City / WHL) had a goal and an assist for the Czechs in defeat as Sweden scored three unanswered to secure a spot in Saturday's final at 1pm ET / 10am PT. Saturday's bronze medal game - that gets underway at 9am ET / 6am PT - features seven CHL players on the Czechia roster and two on Latvia's. April 29 Two-time defending champion Canada fell in the quarterfinals after a 4-2 loss to Sweden. Maddox Dagenais (Quebec / QMJHL) and Callum Croskery (Soo / OHL) each had goals while Gavin Betts (Kingston / OHL) stopped 23 shots. It marks the first time since 2022 that Canada will not medal at the tournament. Dima Zhilkin (Saginaw / OHL) - who had seven points in five games - as well as Ryan Lin (Vancouver / WHL) were named as two of Canada's best players at the tournament. https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2049477438476804208 In other quarterfinal action, Adam Klaus (Cape Breton / QMJHL) had a goal and an assist as Czechia slipped past Finland 2-1 to advance to the semi-finals. Martins Klaucans (Sherbrooke / QMJHL) had a pair of goals while Olivers Murnieks (Saint John / QMJHL) added two helpers as Latvia stunned the USA 5-2 to reach the semis for the first time in program history. Finally, hosts Slovakia took out Denmark 7-1 where Filip Kovalcik (Drummondville / QMJHL) had an assist. It means that Czechia will face Sweden and Latvia meet Slovakia in Friday's semi-finals. https://twitter.com/IIHFHockey/status/2049497290138677732 April 27 Canada concluded the round-robin with a dominant 7-0 win over Finland. Both Mathis Preston (Vancouver / WHL) and Beckett Hamilton (Red Deer / WHL) each scored twice while Dima Zhilkin (Saginaw / OHL) and Ryan Lin (Vancouver / WHL) also found the back of the net. Callum Croskery (Soo / OHL) and Keaton Verhoeff (Victoria / WHL) each had two assists while Gavin Betts (Kingston / OHL) stopped all 18 shots he faced for his second shutout of the tournament. https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2048767511760429397 Slovakia beat Latvia 5-2 in the other Group A contest to wind up top of the group. In defeat, Olivers Murnieks (Saint John / QMJHL) had an assist. In Group B action, Sweden took down Denmark 10-1 for its second win of the tournament while the USA romped to an 11-2 decision over Germany where Brooks Rogowski (Oshawa / OHL) recorded an assist. The tournament quarterfinals take place Wednesday where Canada will now face Sweden at 8am ET / 5am PT. The other quarterfinals see hosts Slovakia face Denmark, Finland battle Czechia and USA tackle Latvia. April 26 Sunday's action saw both Latvia and Czechia collect decisive victories. In Group A, Latvia trounced Norway 8-1 for its first win of the season as Martins Klaucans (Sherbrooke / QMJHL) scored twice and Olivers Murnieks (Saint John / QMJHL) also buried his first of the tournament. Over in Group B, Czechia defeated Denmark 9-1 where Ondrej Ruml (Ottawa / OHL) had a pair of assists. April 25 Canada made it two straight wins after they blanked Norway 8-0 on Day 4 of the tournament. Dima Zhilkin (Saginaw / OHL) led the offensive charge with a hat-trick and assist while Jaxon Jacobson (Brandon / WHL) - in his tournament debut - had a pair of goals. Zach Olsen (Saskatoon / WHL) and Beckett Hamilton (Red Deer / WHL) also found the back of the net while Vancouver pair Ryan Lin and Mathis Preston each added two assists. Gavin Betts (Kingston / OHL) turned aside all 12 shots he faced. Zhilkin's six points and four goals are currently tied for the tournament lead. https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2048128159367799177 In the other Group A game, Finland nudged past hosts Slovakia 5-4 in overtime to take top spot in the pool with one game to play. Slovakia - who beat Canada on the opening day of the event - sits second with the two-time defending champions third. Over in Group B, the USA secured a second straight win after they thumped Sweden 9-1 where Brooks Rogowski (Oshawa / OHL) had an assist. Finally, Jakub Vanecek (Tri-City / WHL) had a goal in Czechia's 3-2 overtime loss to Germany. April 24 On a two-game Friday schedule, it was the USA and Finland who prevailed. Despite firing 52 shots on net, the USA only defeated Denmark 2-0 as they collected their first win of the tournament in Group B action. Levi Harper (Saginaw / OHL) logged 13:19 and five shots on goal in the win. In Group A, Finland also claimed a 2-0 victory after they defeated Latvia. Canada is back in action Saturday when they face Norway in their third game of the round-robin at 8am ET / 5am PT. April 23 Canada got its first win of the tournament after a comprehensive 6-0 victory over Latvia. Dima Zhilkin (Saginaw / OHL) had a goal and an assist while the Ottawa 67's' Thomas Vandenberg and Kohyn Eshkawkogan each scored. Zach Olsen (Saskatoon / WHL) completed the scoring with 14.8 seconds left in regulation while Carter Esler (Spokane / WHL) stopped all 18 shots he faced. https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2047324800650022930 In other action, Denmark opened the tournament with a 4-1 win over Germany in Group B action while Czechia nudged past Sweden 2-1 thanks to goals from Adam Klaus (Cape Breton / QMJHL) and Jakub Vanecek (Tri-City / WHL) who scored the game-winner with 21 seconds left in regulation. In Group A action, hosts Slovakia made it two wins from two after a comfortable 6-1 decision over Norway. April 22 The quest for gold at the 2026 U18 World Championships has begun with 36 players developed in the CHL in Slovakia for this year's tournament. Two-time defending champions Canada struggled in their campaign opener as they fell 2-1 to hosts Slovakia. Mathis Preston (Vancouver / WHL) had Canada's only goal while Gavin Betts (Kingston / OHL) made 13 saves before he exited in the third period through injury. Carter Esler (Spokane / WHL) stopped two shots in relief. https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2047006100113739987 Earlier in the day, Sweden beat Germany 7-2 and Czechia defeated USA 3-2 in overtime in Group B action. Adam Klaus (Cape Breton / QMJHL) had an assist for the Czechs in the victory while Brooks Rogowski (Oshawa / OHL) added a helper for the USA. The day's other Group A contest saw Finland beat Norway 6-1.

Conference Finals set on the Road to Memorial Cup

Matt Tidcombe — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:55:38 +0000

We're down to crunch time on the Road to the Memorial Cup. Just 12 teams are left standing on their quest to be crowned a QMJHL, OHL or WHL champion and in the process also secure a spot at the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota in Kelowna, B.C., alongside the Rockets. More impressively, the remaining 12 clubs are the top ranked teams left in their respective member league with the third round of the postseason about to truly showcase the best-on-best.

OHL Third Round Series Eastern Conference: (1) Brantford vs. (2) Barrie Western Conference: (1) Kitchener vs. (2) Windsor QMJHL Third Round Series (1) Moncton vs. (2) Blainville-Boisbriand (2) Chicoutimi vs. (1) Rouyn-Noranda WHL Third Round Series Eastern Conference: (1) Prince Albert vs. (2) Medicine Hat Western Conference: (1) Everett vs. (2) Penticton For more information on the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota, click here. Fans can make their picks for the Road to the Memorial Cup through the 2025-26 WHL, OHL & QMJHL Playoff Bracket Challenge Contest at chl.ca/bracket-challenge. Playoff coverage begins Thursday, March 26 on FloHockey, with four OHL games and one QMJHL matchup on the schedule, before the WHL postseason gets underway Friday, March 27 on Victory+ with all eight opening-night games.

36 CHL-developed players are set to compete at the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship

Matt Tidcombe — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:36:57 +0000

CHL leads all development leagues with 36 players from 26 clubs representing six countries in Bratislava and Trenčín, Slovakia

As the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship gets underway today in Bratislava and Trenčín, Slovakia, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to celebrate its strong international presence, with 36 players developed through the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) set to represent their countries at the tournament from April 22 to May 2. Those 36 players — including 35 who are currently playing in the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL — give the CHL the largest player contingent of any development league at the tournament. The CHL is also the only development league in the world with players on six of the 10 participating nations’ rosters. Canada leads all countries with 23 CHL-developed players as it looks to capture a third straight gold medal, while Czechia follows with seven. Latvia and the United States each have two CHL-developed players on their rosters, while Germany and Slovakia each have one. By league, the WHL and OHL each account for 13 players at the tournament, while the QMJHL has 10, underscoring the CHL’s depth across all three member leagues and its continued role in developing elite talent for the international stage. At the club level, the Ottawa 67’s (OHL) and Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) lead all CHL teams with three players each competing at the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, while the Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL), Québec Remparts (QMJHL), Red Deer Rebels (WHL), Saginaw Spirit (OHL), Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL), and Vancouver Giants (WHL) each have two players represented. In total, 26 CHL clubs have at least one player competing at the tournament. Canada opens the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship today (April 22) facing Slovakia at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT. Canada will also play Latvia, Norway and Finland in the preliminary round before the tournament concludes with the medal games on May 2. Last year, 25 CHL players helped Canada capture a second straight gold medal at the 2025 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, marking the first time in program history that Canada won back-to-back gold at the event. Among the returning players from that championship team are Vancouver Giants (WHL) defenceman Ryan Lin, Victoria Royals (WHL) defenceman Keaton Verhoeff, and Sarnia Sting (OHL) forward Alessandro Di Iorio. For more information on the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, please visit the official tournament website at IIHF.com. For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, and Instagram. QUICK FACTS

A total of 24 CHL-developed players competing at the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship were included in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings, part of the 197 CHL players recognized ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft.
That group features 12 players ranked among NHL Central Scouting’s Top 50 North American skaters: Keaton Verhoeff (No. 4), Maddox Dagenais (No. 15), Ryan Lin (No. 16), Brooks Rogowski (No. 21), Ben MacBeath (No. 22), Ryder Cali (No. 25), Jakub Vanecek (No. 31), Mathis Preston (No. 32), Beckett Hamilton (No. 33), Thomas Vandenberg (No. 35), Zach Olsen (No. 36), and Alessandro Di Iorio (No. 41).
Two CHL goaltenders ranked among NHL Central Scouting’s top six North American netminders will suit up for Czechia at the tournament: Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) netminder Jan Larys (No. 5) and Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) goaltender Marek Sklenicka (No. 6).
Among the 36 CHL-developed players competing at this year’s tournament, eight are eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft, including six on Team Canada: goaltenders Patrick Déniger (Québec Remparts / QMJHL) and Carter Esler (Spokane Chiefs / WHL), defenceman Kohyn Eshkawkogan (Ottawa 67’s / OHL), and forwards Jaxon Jacobson (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL), Dima Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit / OHL), and Alexis Joseph (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL). Alexis Joseph is the only 16-year-old representing Canada at the tournament.
The other two CHL players eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft are American defenceman Levi Harper (Saginaw Spirit / OHL) and Slovak defenceman Filip Kovalcik (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL).
Four players on Team Canada previously represented Team CHL at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge in Calgary and Lethbridge, Alta., last November: defenceman Ryan Lin (Vancouver Giants / WHL) and forwards Maddox Dagenais (Québec Remparts / QMJHL), Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting / OHL), and Mathis Preston (Vancouver Giants / WHL). Brooks Rogowski (Oshawa Generals / OHL) was originally selected to represent Team CHL at the event before an injury prevented him from participating.
Eleven CHL-developed players set to represent Canada at the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship previously captured bronze at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup: Gavin Betts, Carter Esler, Cameron Chartrand, Callum Croskery, Ryan Lin, Keaton Verhoeff, Alessandro Di Iorio, Jean-Cristoph Lemieux, Mathis Preston, Thomas Rousseau, and Dima Zhilkin.
Fifteen CHL-developed players have previously represented Canada at the U17 World Challenge, including seven who won gold — Betts, Croskery, Joseph, Lemieux, Lin, Preston, and Verhoeff — and eight who earned silver — Lucas Ambrosio, Chartrand, Dagenais, Di Iorio, Eshkawkogan, Esler, Carter Hicks, and Jacobson.
Five CHL players will wear the Maple Leaf for the first time in their careers at the U18 World Championship: Patrick Déniger, Beckett Hamilton, Ben MacBeath, Zach Olsen, and Thomas Vandenberg.
Keaton Verhoeff (Victoria Royals / WHL) will captain Team Canada at the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, while Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting / OHL) and Dima Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit / OHL) will serve as alternate captains.

36 CHL-developed players to compete at the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship * denotes players named to their country’s roster but not included in the team’s initial IIHF registration submitted on April 21 CANADA (23) (G) Gavin Betts (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL) (G) Carter Esler (Spokane Chiefs / WHL) (G) Patrick Déniger (Québec Remparts / QMJHL)* (D) Lucas Ambrosio (Erie Otters / OHL) (D) Cameron Chartrand (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL)* (D) Callum Croskery (Soo Greyhounds / OHL) (D) Kohyn Eshkawkogan (Ottawa 67/s / OHL) (D) Carter Hicks (Brampton Steelheads / OHL) (D) Ryan Lin (Vancouver Giants / WHL) (D) Ben MacBeath (Calgary Hitmen / WHL) (D) Keaton Verhoeff (Victoria Royals / WHL; University of North Dakota / NCAA) (F) Ryder Cali (North Bay Battalion / OHL) (F) Maddox Dagenais (Québec Remparts / QMJHL) (F) Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting / OHL) (F) Beckett Hamilton (Red Deer Rebels / WHL) (F) Jaxon Jacobson (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL)* (F) Alexis Joseph (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) (F) Jean-Cristoph Lemieux (Sudbury Wolves / OHL) (F) Zach Olsen (Saskatoon Blades / WHL) (F) Mathis Preston (Vancouver Giants / WHL) (F) Thomas Rousseau (Sherbrooke Phoenix / QMJHL) (F) Thomas Vandenberg (Ottawa 67’s / OHL) (F) Dima Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit / OHL) CZECHIA (7) (G) Jan Larys (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL) (G) Marek Sklenicka (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL) (D) Jiri Kamas (Red Deer Rebels / WHL) (D) Ondrej Ruml (Ottawa 67’s / OHL) (D) Jakub Vanecek (Tri-City Americans / WHL) (F) Adam Klaus (Cape Breton Eagles / QMJHL) (F) Jan Trefny (Moose Jaw Warriors / WHL) GERMANY (1) (D) Darian Rolsing (Wenatchee Wild / WHL) LATVIA (2) (F) Martins Klaucans (Sherbrooke Phoenix / QMJHL) (F) Olivers Murnieks (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) SLOVAKIA (1) (D) Filip Kovalcik (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL) UNITED STATES (2) (D) Levi Harper (Saginaw Spirit / OHL) (F) Brooks Rogowski (Oshawa Generals / OHL)