Another iteration of the IIHF World Juniors is fast approaching. For Team Canada, that means a chance at redemption.
After claiming gold medals in the 2022 and 2023 editions of the tournament, the Canadians fell hard in 2024, finishing in a distant fifth place despite possessing standouts including Macklin Celebrini, Matthew Savoie and Conor Geekie.
A retool was in order. Canadian officials did just that, corralling 25 of the best U20 prospects in Canada into one side in the hopes of bringing the Great White North back to glory in amateur hockey’s most prominent competition.
The forward line is led by Gavin McKenna, the WHL’s leader in points. At just 16 years old, McKenna is the youngest player on the side. He’s also expected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
“Gavin’s an elite player,” Canada vice president of hockey operations Scott Salmond said, per NHL.com. “Obviously, he’s got incredible talent. He’s an elite skilled player. He’s got vision and talent and skill, and I think he’s a player that can contribute up and down your lineup.”
He’s far from the only highly-touted prospect contained within Canada’s ranks. Porter Martone figures to be in contention for top billing in the 2025 NHL Draft. The same could be said about 17-year old defenseman Matthew Schaefer, a hulking presence in the blue line who has proven increasingly adept at weaving across the ice, too.
There were a handful of surprising omissions, namely Capitals forward prospect Andrew Cristall, Ducks third-overall selection Beckett Sennecke, Flames defenseman Zayne Parekh and Predators first-rounder — and former World Juniors star — Matthew Wood.
Still, Cameron will have a strong roster at his disposal. Expect fireworks when the Canadians take the ice in Ottawa this winter.
Here is a look at the players that have been invited to camp for Team Canada.
MORE: 4 Nations Face-Off: Check out rosters for 2025 tournament
Team Canada World Juniors roster 2025
Forwards
| Player | Team | NHL Rights |
|---|---|---|
| Cole Beaudoin | Barrie (OHL) | Utah |
| Mathieu Cataford | Rimouski (QMJHL) | Golden Knights |
| Berkly Catton | Spokane (WHL) | Kraken |
| Easton Cowan* | London (OHL) | Maple Leafs |
| Ethan Gauthier | Drummondville (QMJHL) | Lightning |
| Tanner Howe | Calgary (WHL) | Penguins |
| Jett Luchanko | Guelph (OHL) | Flyers |
| Porter Martone | Brampton (OHL) | 2025 Draft |
| Gavin McKenna | Medicine Hat (WHL) | 2026 Draft |
| Bradley Nadeau | Chicago (AHL) | Hurricanes |
| Luca Pinelli | Ottawa (OHL) | Blue Jackets |
| Carson Rehkopf* | Brampton (OHL) | Kraken |
| Calum Ritchie | Oshawa (OHL) | Avalanche |
| Brayden Yager* | Lethbridge (WHL) | Jets |
* = returner from 2024
Defense
| Player | Team | NHL Rights |
|---|---|---|
| Beau Akey | Barrie (OHL) | Oilers |
| Oliver Bonk* | London (OHL) | Flyers |
| Sam Dickinson | London (OHL) | Sharks |
| Andrew Gibson | Sault Ste. Marie (OHL) | Predators |
| Tanner Molendyk* | Saskatoon (WHL) | Predators |
| Sawyer Mynio | Seattle (WHL) | Canucks |
| Caden Price | Kelowna (WHL) | Kraken |
| Matthew Schaefer | Erie (OHL) | 2025 Draft |
* = returner from 2024
Goalies
| Player | Team | NHL Rights |
|---|---|---|
| Carson Bjarnason | Brandon (WHL) | Flyers |
| Carter George | Owen Sound (OHL) | Kings |
| Jack Ivankovic | Brampton (OHL) | 2025 Draft |
When do the 2025 World Juniors start?
- Start date: Dec. 26, 2024
- End date: Jan. 5, 2025
Much like last year’s tournament, the 2025 competition will kick off the day after Christmas, Dec. 26.
The group stage will take place over the first six days. The quarterfinals will be played on Jan. 2, the semifinals on Jan. 4 and the tournament will conclude with the bronze and gold medal games on Jan. 5.
How to watch 2025 World Juniors games on TV, live stream
- TV channel (Canada): TSN
- Live stream (Canada): TSN.ca, TSN app
- TV channel (U.S.): NHL Network
- Live stream (U.S.): Fubo
TSN and the NHL Network will once again be home to all of the action for the 2025 World Juniors.
Canadian viewers can watch the competition on TSN or can stream the games through TSN.ca or on the TSN app.
The American audience can view the games live on TV on the NHL Network, or can stream them through Fubo.
Where is the 2024 World Juniors?
- Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Venue: Canadian Tire Centre/TD Place Arena
This year’s World Juniors returns to North America after taking place in Sweden last year.
Games will be split between the Canadian Tire Centre — the Senators’ current home — and TD Place Arena, the Senators’ old stadium.
Canada is a part of Group A that will be at TD Place Arena. It will be joined by defending World Juniors champions the United States, as well as Finland, Germany and Latvia.
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