Three OHL Players Named to Finland’s World Junior Pre-Tournament Roster

Three Ontario Hockey League players have earned spots on Finland’s under-20 national team roster for its pre-tournament World Junior camp, Hockey Finland announced on Saturday.

Barrie Colts forward Emil Hemming, Oshawa Generals forward Onni Kalto, and Ottawa 67’s forward Jasper Kuhta are among 25 players invited to Finland’s camp ahead of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Finland will travel to Duluth, Minnesota, early next week, where the team will train through Christmas Eve. The World Junior Championship opens on Boxing Day with games in St. Paul and Minneapolis.

The final tournament roster will be confirmed following the conclusion of camp.

Hemming, a native of Vaasa, has been a key contributor for the Barrie Colts this season, continuing to build on his strong two-way game and international resume. The right winger has previously represented Finland at multiple international events and brings valuable experience to the Finnish forward group.

Kalto has made an immediate impact in Oshawa, using his pace and compete level to become a reliable option up front for the Generals. The Helsinki native adds speed and versatility to Finland’s lineup as he looks to secure a spot on the final World Junior roster.

Kuhta, who plays for the Ottawa 67’s, rounds out the OHL contingent. The Turku-born forward has shown consistent growth at the major junior level and will look to translate his offensive instincts and work ethic to the international stage.

The three players represent part of a strong OHL presence within Finland’s program, as the league continues to develop talent for the world’s biggest junior hockey event.

The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship runs from December 26 to January 5.

For more information on Finland’s national teams and the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, visit leijonat.fi and iihf.com.