Canada’s hockey community is buzzing with excitement following the announcement of the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship roster, which includes 16-year-old star forward Gavin McKenna from the Medicine Hat Tigers. Named on December 13, the squad will showcase its skills starting December 26 at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, where they will face Team Finland.
This year’s roster features 25 players, with eight hailing from the Western Hockey League (WHL), including notable returning players such as Brayden Yager, who played on last year's squad. Team Canada is eager to reclaim its glory after finishing fifth at the previous tournament held in Sweden.
McKenna, who is projected as the consensus No. 1 pick for the 2026 NHL Draft, leads all WHL skaters this season with 60 points over 30 games, firmly establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents. "There’s been a lot of good players who’ve come through here, so to kind of be one of those guys...I think it’s pretty cool," McKenna expressed during his selection remarks.
Joining McKenna as another potential top pick is defenseman Matthew Schaefer, who is also considered one of the best prospects for the 2025 draft. This tournament experience is especially significant for them, as they aim to prove themselves on the international stage.
The complete roster for the Canadian team includes:
- Forwards: Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat), Bradly Nadeau, Brayden Yager, Jett Luchanko, Luca Pinelli, Berkly Catton, Carson Rehkopf, Ethan Gauthier, Calum Ritchie, Porter Martone, Tanner Howe, Cole Beaudoin, Easton Cowan, Mathieu Cataford
- Defensemen: Andrew Gibson, Sam Dickinson, Caden Price, Oliver Bonk, Tanner Molendyk, Sawyer Mynio, Beau Akey, Matthew Schaefer
- Goalies: Jack Ivankovic, Carter George, Carson Bjarnason
Notably, the management group features several WHL figures, such as Peter Anholt and Mike Johnston, who will guide this young squad through the championship.
Canada’s tournament performance is being closely watched, especially following their early exit against Czechia last year. Hockey Canada’s Peter Anholt expressed confidence, stating, "We believe we have assembled a competitive and talented roster...We look forward to them wearing the Maple Leaf with pride." This year, Canada will open Group A against Finland, with additional matches scheduled against Latvia, Germany, and the United States.
One of the notable aspects of this roster is its blend of experience and youth. McKenna and fellow under-agers, including forward Porter Martone, who is also vying for the top pick, are set to make their mark alongside seasoned players. Notably, the hockey community is excited about the return of five players from last year’s team, providing cohesion and experience as they aim for the gold medal.
The tournament runs from December 26, 2024, to January 5, 2025, with Canadian games being broadcast across TSN platforms. This year’s championship will spotlight top contenders, as Canada’s hockey prowess aims to showcase its dominance on home ice.
Concern lingers with several high-profile cuts from the team, with players such as Beckett Sennecke (the No. 3 pick by Anaheim Ducks last draft) and Scott Ratzlaff being left off the roster due to last-minute injuries. Hockey Canada's approach has been strategic, prioritizing players capable of delivering versatile contributions to the team.
Despite these difficult decisions, the overall sentiment is one of optimism and determination. McKenna, Martone, and Schaefer’s involvement is viewed as pivotal for Canada’s success. The integration of younger players is pivotal, especially as the team eyes its pursuit for the coveted gold medal and strives to boost its record collection.
Fans eagerly anticipate the first game against Finland, where Canada will kick off their quest for yet another precious medal. The excitement builds not only for the matches themselves but for seeing young stars like McKenna shine on the global stage.
