Kulemin hopes previous U17 experience can bring Canada together to chase gold

The Kingston Frontenac’s Aleks Kulemin wants his Hlinka Gretzky Cup teammates to become family.

It should be somewhat easier with the fact that 21 players have played in the World U17 Hockey Challenge previously so there’s no shortage of familiary.

But if Canada is to win gold this week in Edmonton, that previous chemistry is going to be key.

“Having a lot of guys from the U17’s, it’s easier to start building a family,” Kulemin said. “We’re trying to get pretty tight. I’m really excited to play all together, play as a team, stick to our structure and try to win the tournament.”

Kulemin claimed a silver medal at the 2025 U17 event but 10 of his teammates were on the other side of the ice that won gold. One of his two linemates Monday in Canada’s 7-3 win over Switzerland was Ottawa’s Brock Chitaroni, a teammate of Kulemin’s at the U17’s.

This tournament presents the 17-year-old a second opportunity to represent his country and it’s something he doesn’t take for granted at all.

“The first time was awesome and now I’m really excited to get going a second time,” he said.