Returning DuPont honoured to captain Canada at 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup
For Landon DuPont, there was never any hesitation to return for another crack at Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold.
The Everett Silvertips star was part of the Canadian team that won bronze a year ago but ultimately fell short of expectations. But as he begins his NHL Draft year, it was important to play in the tournament a second time, especially on home ice in Edmonton.
“It was really important [to come back],” DuPont said. “Last year going through it, we had a really fun team but came up short with the bronze. I wanted to come back this year and bring some leadership and hopefully a gold for Canada.”
The 17-year-old was named captain for the tournament too, the second time he will wear the ‘C’ for his country having done so at the 2024 World U17 Hockey Challenge for Canada Red.
“It’s special and a huge honour,” DuPont said. “To be playing with the Maple Leaf on is a huge honour but to lead the team is something that I take with lots of responsibility.”
DuPont’s two seasons in Everett have been nothing short of sensational. The second-ever WHL player granted exceptional status, DuPont tallied 133 points (35 goals) across 127 games and won CHL and WHL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and last year helped lead the Silvertips to a first WHL championship and a spot in the Memorial Cup final.
Regina’s Maddox Schultz and Saint John’s Alexis Joseph will each wear an ‘A’ after they captained Canada White and Red respectively at the 2025 World U17 Hockey Challenge.
“Those are three elite individuals and I am not even talking about them as hockey players,” said Canada head coach Ryan Oulahen. “Thrilled to have what I would say is a veteran leadership group because they have had experience with this role.”
For more information on the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, click here.
Canada’s roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup
Goaltenders (2)
Sam Berthiaume (Cape Breton Eagles / QMJHL)
Leif Oaten (Lethbridge Hurricanes / WHL)
Defencemen (7)
Brock Cripps (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL)
Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / WHL)
Matt Henderson (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL)
Malik L’Italien (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL)
Cooper McAslan (London Knights / OHL)
Quinn Norman (Newfoundland Regiment / QMJHL)
Boston Tait (Wenatchee Wild / WHL)
Forwards (13)
Brock Chitaroni (Ottawa 67’s / OHL)
Ryerson Edgar (Niagara IceDogs / OHL)
Brock England (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL)
Ben Harvey (Prince Albert Raiders / WHL)
Alexis Joseph (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL)
Aleks Kulemin (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL)
Charlie Murata (Flint Firebirds / OHL)
Liam Pue (Regina Pats / WHL)
Maddox Schultz (Regina Pats / WHL)
Kayden Stroeder (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL)
Benjamin Veitch (Newfoundland Regiment / QMJHL)
Camryn Warren (North Bay Battalion / OHL)
Jaakko Wycisk (Guelph Storm / OHL)
