Brayden Yager, the talented forward from Saskatoon, has been appointed captain of Team Canada for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, set to take place in Ottawa. The announcement was made by Hockey Canada just days before the team is set to launch its campaign against Finland on December 26.
Yager, currently playing for the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the Western Hockey League (WHL), previously captained the Moose Jaw Warriors before being traded earlier this month. His leadership skills, combined with his solid performance on the ice, led to this prestigious appointment. During his time with the Warriors, he tallied 11 goals and 19 assists for 30 points over 21 games, contributing significantly to the team's success, even as they faced challenges this season.
He expressed his excitement over the role, stating, “I am honoured to be named captain of Team Canada for the World Juniors on a team with so many great leaders, and I am excited for our group to take the ice in Ottawa and continue working toward our goal of winning a gold medal on home ice.” Yager’s experience as captain and previous participation with the Canadian junior squad, where the team finished fifth last year, will be invaluable as they aim for success this time.
Yager isn’t just focused on the glory of leadership; he aims to set the right tone for his teammates. Drawing inspiration from Sidney Crosby, the former Canadian captain, he emphasizes leading by example. “I think the biggest thing I learned from Sid was just how he leads by example,” said Yager. His approach will be one of actions first, fostering collaboration within the team, knowing the pressures of carrying the 'C' are shared across the leadership group.
Joining Yager as alternate captains are Tanner Molendyk from the Saskatoon Blades and Calum Ritchie from the Oshawa Generals. Both players have impressed during their junior careers, with Molendyk delivering 21 points (4 goals, 17 assists) this season and Ritchie amassing 34 points (8 goals, 26 assists) before his return to junior hockey after starting the season with the Colorado Avalanche.
Yager's capability to balance leadership and performance has been recognized by his teammates. “He’s a great player on the ice. But what sets him apart is the person he is off the ice. Just a great guy and teammate. He shows leadership on and off the ice, and it’s been great for us,” Ritchie commented.
Canada's preparation for the World Juniors includes pre-tournament games against Switzerland, Sweden, and Czechia. These matches will be key for building chemistry and solidifying game strategies before facing off against Finland to kick off the tournament on Boxing Day.
The team is eager to erase the disappointment of last year when they suffered a heartbreaking last-minute elimination to Czechia. Yager feels it’s important to approach this tournament as a fresh start. “It’s not something I’m talking about with this edition. We’re focused and ready to win a gold medal,” he said, demonstrated by the determination of the entire squad.
Yager’s career achievements already include being drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins as the 14th overall pick and more recently traded to the Winnipeg Jets during the last off-season. His NHL rights shifting resulted from his promising potential as he impresses scouts and fans alike with his skills on the ice.
With pre-tournament games already underway, Yager and Team Canada are gearing up for serious competition. They started strong, winning their opening pre-tournament match against Switzerland 7-1, with Yager scoring the opening goal and contributing to what many hope will be another successful campaign for Canada.
Overall, the atmosphere surrounding Team Canada is one of optimism and enthusiasm. The blend of returning players with experiences from previous tournaments and new talent from leagues across Canada aims to form a powerful unit. This championship is expected to be intense and competitive, especially with teams like the USA, who have returnees from last year’s gold-winning squad set to face off against Yager’s squad.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Yager leads his team, hoping it recalls the glories of past tournaments. If skills, passion, and leadership can influence the outcome of their games, Team Canada may just find themselves celebrating atop the podium once again by the tournament's end.
