Team Canada announced its World Junior roster for the upcoming holiday classic in Edmonton & Red Deer, Alberta. Amongst the 25 man roster was Connor Bedard of the Regina Pats who became the first 16 year old named to Team Canada since Connor McDavid.
Following two games against the U-Sport All-Star team in Calgary, the Canadian side announced its final rounds of cuts. Included in that list were Golden Knights first round selection Zachary Dean, Capitals draft choice Hendrix Lapierre, and Islanders prospect William Dufour.
Team Canada returns 3 players from their 2020 team which settled for Silver at last year’s event. Cole Perfetti, goaltender Dylan Garland, and defender Kaiden Guhle will get a chance at redemption this year and will be leaned on to play a leadership role on and off the ice.
Director of player personnel Alan Millar stated “We believe this group will give us the best chance to win a gold medal on home ice…We were impressed with the level of competition at camp, and we knew we were going to have to make difficult decisions when it came time to name a final roster. Our players and staff look forward to the opportunity to compete in front of Canadian fans again”.
The Canadian squad kicks off their tournament with a Boxing Day tilt against the Czech Republic.
Goalies:
Brett Brochu, London (2022)
Sebastian Cossa, Edmonton (DET)
Dylan Garand, Kamloops (NYR)
Defensemen:
Lukas Cormier, Charlottetown (VGK)
Kaiden Guhle, Edmonton (MTL)
Carson Lambos, Winnipeg (MIN)
Ryan O’Rourke, Sault Ste. Marie (MIN)
Owen Power, University of Michigan (BUF)
Donovan Sebrango, Grand Rapids (DET)
Ronan Seeley, Everett (CAR)
Olen Zellweger, Everett (ANA)
Forwards:
Connor Bedard, Regina (2023)
Xavier Bourgault, Shawinigan (EDM)
Mavrik Bourque, Shawinigan (DAL)
Will Cuylle, Windsor (NYR)
Elliot Desnoyers, Halifax (PHI)
Ridly Greig, Brandon (OTT)
Dylan Guenther, Edmonton (ARI)
Kent Johnson, University of Michigan (CBJ)
Mason McTavish, Peterborough (ANA)
Jake Neighbours, Edmonton (STL)
Cole Perfetti, Manitoba (WPG)
Justin Sourdif, Vancouver (FLA)
Logan Stankoven, Kamloops (DAL)
Shane Wright, Kingston (2022)