He will accompany Head Coach Drew Bannister and newly-appointed Assistant Coach Steve O’Rourke in rounding out the team’s on-bench staff.

"We're thrilled to welcome Patrick to our coaching staff. Patrick brings a unique combination of playing, coaching, and player development experience that will be a tremendous asset to our group,” started Raftis.

“Patrick's unique path as a player and coach has given him the ability to relate to and connect with our players while understanding what it takes to help them continue to grow both on and off the ice. Early in our conversations, what stood out most was his passion for developing players at all different stages of their junior careers and his attention to the small details of the game. He'll be a major resource for our players on a day-to-day basis and will have a significant impact on our team as a whole, whether it's on special teams or at 5-on-5,” he continued before concluding,

“Equally important, Patrick is someone who understands what it means to represent both the Greyhounds and the City of Sault Ste. Marie. We're excited to welcome Patrick and his family back to the Soo and know he'll make a tremendous impact on our program."

The 42-year old Jarrett most recently was Head Coach for two seasons of the Palmyra Black Knights 16U & 18U based out of Annville, Pennsylvania.

From 2021 to 2024 he held the same position with the Skipjacks Hockey Academy 16U & 18U (York, Pennsylvania).

Within the OHL, Patrick was previously a member of the Hamilton Bulldogs staff as Assistant Coach for two seasons (2018-2020).

The Sault Ste. Marie, ON native’s playing career was highlighted by being selected 1st overall of the 2000 OHL Priority Selection to the Mississauga IceDogs in 2000 before later being drafted to the NHL’s Nashville Predators followed by a thirteen-year professional career in Europe.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be coming home to Sault Ste. Marie. This community shaped me, and it’s hard to believe it’s been 26 years since I left to play in the OHL. To return now as an Assistant Coach for the Soo Greyhounds is truly a full-circle moment. My wife, Tanya, and our two daughters are excited to make the Soo our home and be closer to family,” began Jarrett.

He then added, “The Greyhounds are one of the most historic and respected organizations in junior hockey, and I grew up idolizing this team. It’s an incredible honour to have the opportunity to help develop the next generation of Greyhounds. I look forward to sharing the experiences I’ve gained throughout my playing and coaching career and helping our players become the best versions of themselves—not only as hockey players, but as young men. I’m grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to get to work.”

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is pleased to congratulate Brad Lauer (Spokane Chiefs / WHL), Drew Bannister (Soo Greyhounds / OHL), and Jim Hulton (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL) on being named assistant coaches with Canada’s National Junior Team for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta.

Representing each of the CHL’s Member Leagues, Lauer, Bannister, and Hulton will serve alongside fellow assistant coach and WHL alumnus Ryan Getzlaf, as well as head coach Misha Donskov, a former OHL executive who was appointed to the position by Hockey Canada in April.

The coaching staff will also include goaltending coach Dan De Palma (Kamloops Blazers / WHL) and video coach Adam Filmon, with additional support from James Emery, Hockey Canada’s director of performance analysis.

“We are excited to officially announce our coaching staff for Canada’s National Junior Team and bring together a group of experienced, accomplished leaders who are deeply committed to player development and winning on the international stage,” said Alan Millar, general manager of Canada’s National Junior Team. “Misha, Drew, Ryan, Jim, Brad and Dan each bring a unique set of skills and perspectives, along with extensive experience at the professional, Major Junior and international levels. We are confident this staff will create an environment that allows our players to succeed and proudly represent Canada as we prepare for the World Juniors.”

Donskov, from London, Ontario, spent five seasons in the OHL, serving as an assistant coach with the London Knights from 2009-12 before spending two seasons as associate coach of the Ottawa 67’s from 2012-14. He added assistant general manager duties during his final season in London and helped the Knights capture the 2012 OHL championship. Donskov later spent four seasons as director of hockey operations with the Vegas Golden Knights before serving more than three years as an assistant coach from 2020-23 and winning the Stanley Cup in 2023. Most recently, he spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Dallas Stars from 2023-25.

Donskov, Hockey Canada’s vice-president of hockey operations and men’s national teams coach, made his international head-coaching debut at the 2026 IIHF World Championship after expanding his role with the organization in April. He returns to the World Juniors for a second consecutive season after helping Canada earn bronze as an associate coach in 2026. Internationally, Donskov won gold as an assistant coach at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, the 2016 IIHF World Championship and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, as well as in other coaching roles at the 2015 World Juniors and 2015 IIHF World Championship. He also won the 2019 Spengler Cup as director of hockey operations and assistant coach.

Lauer, from Humboldt, Saskatchewan, returns to Canada’s National Junior Team for a second consecutive year after helping the country earn bronze as an assistant coach at the 2026 World Juniors. He recently completed his second season as head coach of the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs, having guided the club to the 2025 WHL Championship Series. Lauer previously spent four seasons as head coach of the Edmonton Oil Kings, winning the 2022 WHL Championship and the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy as WHL Coach of the Year in 2019-20, following five seasons as an assistant coach with the Kootenay ICE. His professional experience includes roles as an assistant coach with the Winnipeg Jets, Tampa Bay Lightning, Anaheim Ducks and Ottawa Senators, as well as the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch and Milwaukee Admirals. As a player, Lauer spent his junior career with the Regina Pats from 1983-86, recording 165 points in 189 games.

Bannister, from Belleville, Ontario, was named head coach of the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds for the second time on June 22 after previously leading the club from 2015-18. Over three seasons, he recorded 136 regular-season victories, won two OHL West Division titles and guided the Greyhounds to the 2018 OHL Championship Series. His first tenure culminated in a historic 2017-18 campaign in which the Greyhounds posted a franchise-record 55-7-3-3 record, earning Bannister the Matt Leyden Trophy as OHL Coach of the Year and the CHL’s Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award. He most recently served as head coach of Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team at the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship after serving as head coach of the St. Louis Blues during the 2024-25 season and spending more than two seasons leading the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds. Internationally, Bannister served as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Men’s Team at the 2025 Spengler Cup and helped Canada win gold as an assistant at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup. As a player, he helped the Greyhounds win consecutive OHL championships in 1991 and 1992 before capturing the Memorial Cup in 1993, and also won gold with Canada at the 1994 World Juniors.

Hulton, from Wolfe Island, Ontario, was named head coach of the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs last month following 11 seasons as head coach of the Charlottetown Islanders. A two-time QMJHL Coach of the Year and recipient of the CHL’s Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award in 2022, Hulton ranks 14th all-time in QMJHL history with 380 regular-season victories and was the fifth-fastest coach to reach 300 wins, accomplishing the feat in 513 games. He has represented Canada six times during his coaching career, helping the country win gold at the 2005 World Juniors and silver in 2004 as an assistant coach before returning to the tournament in the same role in 2019. Hulton also spent 10 seasons coaching in the OHL with the North Bay Centennials, Mississauga IceDogs, Belleville Bulls, Kingston Frontenacs and St. Michael’s Majors, as well as two seasons as an assistant coach with the NHL’s Florida Panthers. As a player, he suited up in the OHL with the Kitchener Rangers and Kingston Raiders.

Getzlaf, from Regina, Saskatchewan, is a WHL alumnus who spent four seasons with the Calgary Hitmen from 2001-05. The longtime Anaheim Ducks captain won gold with Canada at the 2005 World Juniors after earning silver at the tournament in 2004. He also captured Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014 and won the Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007.

De Palma, from Kamloops, British Columbia, is entering his 18th season as goaltending coach of the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers. He has served in the same role with Canada at each of the past two World Juniors and has won two IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship gold medals and a Hlinka Gretzky Cup title.

Several additional CHL representatives will support Canada’s National Junior Team:

• Assistant general manager Dave Brown (Erie Otters / OHL)
• Athletic therapist Mike Burnstein (Vancouver Giants / WHL)

Canada’s National Junior Team will begin preparations for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship at the World Junior Summer Showcase, which will be held July 26-Aug. 1 in Windsor, Ontario. Canada will be joined at the event by Finland, Sweden and the United States.

The 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship will be held Dec. 26, 2026, through Jan. 5, 2027, in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Junior Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

“We're excited to add Steve to our staff. He brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience that will be a great addition to our group,” started Raftis.

“As a player, coach, and through his work in player development, Steve has worked at both the junior and professional levels. What stood out most throughout the process was his passion for teaching and developing players. He's a great hockey mind and will be a tremendous resource for our defensemen and our entire team,” he added before concluding with,

“Equally important, he's someone we feel will fit in really well with the culture we're continuing to build here in Sault Ste. Marie. We're excited to welcome Steve to the Greyhounds and are looking forward to getting to work.”

The 51-year old native of Summerland, BC joins the Greyhounds after serving as Head Coach of the Seattle Torrent (Professional Women’s Hockey League) in its inaugural season.

Prior to that O’Rourke more recently spent part of three seasons with the Oshawa Generals as Associate Coach and Head Coach after over 13 years in Western Canada coaching at the Major Junior, Junior A and AHL levels.

Steve is also the founder and operator of Dual Hockey Training - an elite summer development program that integrates skill, sport science and wellness to players from junior, collegiate and pro levels.

“I am excited to join the Soo Greyhounds as an Assistant Coach.  The Greyhounds have built an outstanding reputation as one of the OHL’s premier organizations, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of it. I look forward to working alongside Kyle Raftis and Drew Bannister, two people I have tremendous respect for, and contributing to an environment that helps young players develop both on and off the ice,” began O’Rourke.

“The opportunity to work with such a talented group of players is one that I am truly excited about. I can’t wait to get to Sault Ste. Marie, build relationships, and help our players and team improve every day.  I would like to thank Kyle, Drew, and the Greyhounds organization for their trust and confidence. I’m looking forward to getting started,” he concluded.

The OHL group headlines an 80-player field that also includes 29 players from the Western Hockey League (WHL) and 20 from the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The camp runs July 17-21 at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville, with players split into four teams for two days of practice and six games from July 19-21.

The roster was selected by Program of Excellence (POE) general manager Alan Millar, POE head scout Byron Bonora and U17 assistant general manager Mike Johnston (Portland Winterhawks, WHL), with input from Hockey Canada's regional scouting staff that includes Scott Grieve (Erie Otters) and Rob Simpson (London Knights). Following camp, players will continue to be evaluated through the start of the 2026-27 season before Canada Red and Canada White rosters are named ahead of the 2026 U17 World Challenge, set for Nov. 1-7, also in Oakville.

Canada has won gold at the U17 World Challenge three years running. Last year in Truro, N.S., Canada White captured gold behind six OHL players, defeating a Canada Red squad that carried 11 OHL players by a 6-3 final.

OHL PROSPECTS BY TEAM - CANADA'S U17 DEVELOPMENT CAMP

Barrie Colts Lucas Matheson, D — 1st round, 17th overall (Barrie Jr. Colts, OMHA)

Brampton Steelheads Tanner Adams, F — 1st round, 3rd overall (The Hill Academy) Arjun Nanubhai, F — 2nd round, 28th overall (Mississauga Senators, GTHL)

Brantford Bulldogs Marko Mesich, G — 6th round, 107th overall (Toronto Jr. Canadiens, GTHL) Finn Ellery, F — 2nd round, 31st overall (Central Ontario Wolves, OMHA)

Erie Otters Tanner Gibson, G — 3rd round, 50th overall (Ajax-Pickering Raiders, OMHA) Colin Kennedy, F — 1st round, 2nd overall (Detroit Little Caesars)

Flint Firebirds Cole Guizzetti, F — 3rd round, 52nd overall (Upper Canada College)

Guelph Storm Declan McNally, D — 1st round, 7th overall (Don Mills Flyers, GTHL)

Kingston Frontenacs Gavin Godick, D — 3rd round, 47th overall (Don Mills Flyers, GTHL) Logan Prud'homme, F — 1st round, 10th overall (Upper Canada College) Roman Vanacker, F — 2nd round, 23rd overall (Brantford 99ers, ALLIANCE)

Kitchener Rangers Evan Fitzgerald, F — 2nd round, 41st overall (Vaughan Kings, GTHL) Braden Reilly, F — 1st round, 19th overall (Toronto Marlboros, GTHL)

London Knights Ryan Beaulieu, D — 1st round, 14th overall (London Jr. Knights, ALLIANCE)

Niagara IceDogs Finley Merrill, F — 2nd round, 32nd overall (The Hill Academy)

North Bay Battalion Owen Loftus, G — 1st round, 11th overall (Don Mills Flyers, GTHL) Alexandre Saulnier, F — 2nd round, 35th overall (Ottawa Jr. 67's, HEO)

Oshawa Generals Kane Cloutier, F — 1st round, 1st overall (Vaughan Kings, GTHL)

Ottawa 67's Andrew Laurin, F — 1st round, 18th overall (Quinte Red Devils, OMHA)

Owen Sound Attack Maxwell Fransen, D — 1st round, 8th overall (Upper Canada College) Jace Voortman, F — 3rd round, 46th overall (Toronto Jr. Canadiens, GTHL) Matthew Zilinski, F — 2nd round, 21st overall (Mississauga Senators, GTHL)

Peterborough Petes Landon Roulston, F — 1st round, 13th overall (Vaughan Kings, GTHL)

Saginaw Spirit Drew Bate, F — 1st round, 6th overall (London Jr. Knights, ALLIANCE) Kyler Lauder, F — 2nd round, 24th overall (Central Ontario Wolves, OMHA)

Sarnia Sting Adrian Sgro, D — 1st round, 4th overall (Vaughan Kings, GTHL)

Soo Greyhounds Jaden Licastro, D — 1st round, 12th overall (Toronto Marlboros, GTHL)

Sudbury Wolves Shayden Hintenberger, D — 3rd round, 44th overall (The Hill Academy) Kash Kwajah, F — 1st round, 5th overall (Toronto Jr. Canadiens, GTHL)

Windsor Spitfires Lauchlan Whelan, F — 1st round, 16th overall (Quinte Red Devils, OMHA)

• 2026 OHL Preseason Schedule (PDF)

Internationally, David represented Czechia at the U18 level.

Born in Cordoba, Spain, the 6.05, 181 lbs Vermirovsky has spent most of his life in Czechia.

Oshawa to select first overall; Halifax moves into No. 2 spot following trade with Baie-Comeau

McKenzie was the Hounds 3rd-leading scorer this past regular season after initially joining the team as a free agent signing in September 2025.

The Cranberry Township, PA product went on to record recorded 21 goals and 30 assists (51 points) in 65 games played before adding 7 points (5G, 2A) in ten post-season contests.

He was a ‘W’ Rated Prospect in the NHL Central Scoutings ‘Players to Watch’ List.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS 2025-26 (21G, 30A, 51PTS in 65GP);  Recipeint of the team’s Dr. Billy Kelly Award for Most Gentlemanly Player … W Rated Prospect in NHL Central Scouting ‘Players to Watch List’ for 2026 NHL Draft …Recorded 2G game including OT GWG and 1^st star Oct. 10 vs KIT … Scored 1^st career goal on Oct. 2 @BAR … Recorded his 1^st-career OHL point (assist) Sept. 19 vs SAG … Led team in pre-season scoring with 4G, 2A, 6PTS in 4GP … Free Agent signing by the Greyhounds in September 2025 … 2024-25;  Appeared in 58 regular season games for Shattuck St. Mary’s 18U Prep where he recorded 26G, 67A, 93PTS … 2023-24;  Played minor hockey for the Pittsburg Penguin Elite (13U to 16U)

Fitzgerald recorded 15 goals and 18 assists (33 points) this past 2025-26 season, including 20 points (9G, 11A) in 39 regular season games after being acquired by the Hounds on November 27th.

The Otonabee, ON product was ranked #82 in the NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings for North American skaters.

He joins Chase Reid and Harris Pangretitsch as selections so far in this year’s event.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS 2025-26 (15G, 18A, 33PTS in 63GP);  One of 20 OHL Players invited to 2026 NHL Combine …One of 20 OHL Players invited to 2026 NHL Scouting Combine … Ranked 82^nd for North American Skaters in NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings …Skated in his 100^th career regular season game Feb. 13 @LDN … Recorded 1^st goal as a Hound Dec. 10 vs KIT … Named to Western Conference Roster for Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game … Acquired by the Hounds on November 27 … 2024-25;  Capture bronze Medal (2A) with Team Canada at Hlinka Gretzky Cup … Won silver medal with Team Canada Red at 2024 U17 World Challenge … Recorded career-high 3PT night (1G, 2A) Oct. 11 @GUE … Scored his 1^st-career OHL goal (part of 2G night) Oct. 3 vs NB … 2023-24;  Selected in 1^st Round (3^rd) overall by the Peterborough Petes … Appeared in 35 games for the Peterborough Petes U16 AAA registering 39G, 25A, 64PTS in regular season before adding 13G, 8A, 21PTS in 8 post-season contests