Two more OHL staff members added to Canada’s U17 World Challenge contingent
Two more Ontario Hockey League staff members have been added to Canada’s coaching and support staffs ahead of the 2026 U17 World Challenge, scheduled for November 1-7 in Oakville, ON.
North Bay Battalion goaltending coach Nate McDonald and London Knights athletic therapist Luca Paron have both been named to Canada Red, bringing the OHL’s representation to eight staff members from seven member clubs across Canada’s two entries.
McDonald, who also serves as North Bay’s Assistant General Manager, and Paron were both involved in Hockey Canada’s National Under-17 Development Camp in July. McDonald participated as a guest goaltending coach, while Paron served as a guest athletic therapist.
The two additions join six previously announced OHL representatives, including Saginaw Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill and Sarnia Sting General Manager Dylan Seca, who will serve as directors of hockey operations for Canada Red and Canada White, respectively.
Barrie Colts head coach Dylan Smoskowitz will lead Canada White behind the bench, making his international head coaching debut after guiding Barrie to the 2026 OHL Championship Series.
The OHL’s complete representation at the tournament includes:
Canada Red
| Role | Name | OHL Club |
|---|---|---|
| Director of Hockey Operations | Dave Drinkill | Saginaw Spirit |
| Goaltending Coach | Nate McDonald | North Bay Battalion |
| Equipment Manager | Brandon Grace | Sudbury Wolves |
| Athletic Therapist | Luca Paron | London Knights |
Canada White
| Role | Name | OHL Club |
|---|---|---|
| Director of Hockey Operations | Dylan Seca | Sarnia Sting |
| Head Coach | Dylan Smoskowitz | Barrie Colts |
| Video Coach | Alex Darling | Peterborough Petes |
| Equipment Manager | Justin Vanderlaan | Sarnia Sting |
The appointments build on Hockey Canada’s initial staff announcement in July, which included several OHL coaches and hockey operations personnel selected for the national under-17 program.
The 2026 U17 World Challenge will feature Canada Red and Canada White competing against Czechia, Finland, Sweden and the United States. The tournament runs November 1-7 in Oakville, with player rosters expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
