Four Canadian debutants set for 2026 World Juniors
For the first time in their careers, four CHL players are set to represent Canada for the first time.
The London Knights’ Sam O’Reilly, Everett Silvertips’ Carter Bear, Edmonton Oil Kings’ Ethan MacKenzie and Prince George Cougars’ Joshua Ravensbergen will all make their international debuts when they play their first game at the 2026 World Juniors in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN.
“The World Juniors being the first time is a pretty big deal,” O’Reilly said. “I’m looking forward to it and am going to give it my all.”
“It means a lot to get to play at the World Juniors,” Bear said. “It’s a dream come true … it’s really cool for sure.”
Despite being first round NHL picks, O’Reilly (TB), Bear (DET) and Ravensbergen (SJ) have never had the opportunity to play for their country.
“It’s a huge honour and something I’ve worked towards for a long time now,” O’Reilly said. “It’s finally come time now and I’m going to anything I can to help the team.”
“[The opportunity to] represent your country is a whole other level,” Bear said.
As for MacKenzie – who is undrafted to the NHL – the opportunity to play for Canada carries extra meaning.
“It’s been unbelievable and a whirlwind of an experience already,” he said. “The possibility to be able to wear that jersey, I don’t have the words to be honest.
“It means a ton to be able to put on the Canadian flag and represent your country.”
Canada opens its 2026 campaign against Czechia on Boxing Day with the World Juniors final set for Jan. 5.
LIST OF PAST AND PRESENT CHL PLAYERS & STAFF ON CANADA’S 2026 NATIONAL JUNIOR TEAM
Goalies (3)
(G) Carter George (Owen Sound Attack / OHL)
(G) Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads / OHL; University of Michigan / NCAA)
(G) Joshua Ravensbergen (Prince George Cougars / WHL)
Defencemen (8)
(D) Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts / OHL)
(D) Harrison Brunicke (Kamloops Blazers / WHL)
(D) Carson Carels (Prince George Cougars / WHL)
(D) Ben Danford (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL)
(D) Ethan MacKenzie (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL)
(D) Zayne Parekh (Saginaw Spirit / OHL)
(D) Cameron Reid (Kitchener Rangers / OHL)
(D) Keaton Verhoeff (Victoria Royals / WHL; University of North Dakota / NCAA)
Forwards (13)
(F) Carter Bear (Everett Silvertips / WHL)
(F) Cole Beaudoin (Barrie Colts / OHL)
(F) Braeden Cootes (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL)
(F) Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL)
(F) Liam Greentree (Windsor Spitfires / OHL)
(F) Tij Iginla (Kelowna Rockets / WHL)
(F) Jett Luchanko (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL)
(F) Brady Martin (Soo Greyhounds / OHL)
(F) Porter Martone (Brampton Steelheads / OHL; Michigan State University / NCAA)
(F) Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL; Penn State University / NCAA)
(F) Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit / OHL)
(F) Sam O’Reilly (London Knights / OHL)
(F) Cole Reschny (Victoria Royals / WHL; University of North Dakota / NCAA)
Head Coach – Dale Hunter (London Knights / OHL)
Assistant Coach – Brad Lauer (Spokane Chiefs / WHL)
Assistant Coach – Gardiner MacDougall (Moncton Wildcats / QMJHL)
Goaltending Consultant – Dan De Palma (Kamloops Blazers / WHL)
Video Coach – Ethan O’Rourke (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL)
Management Group – Mark Hunter (London Knights / OHL)
Athletic Therapist – Terence Robertson (Red Deer Rebels / WHL)
Team Physician – Michael Conrad (Victoria Royals / WHL)
Equipment Manager – Chris Cook (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL)
Equipment Manager – Chris Maton (London Knights / OHL)
Strength and Conditioning Coach – Sean Young (Ottawa 67’s / OHL)
