By Next Gen Hockey | October 2026
The next generation of hockey talent is heading to Oakville, Ontario, as the 2026 U17 World Challenge brings six national teams together from November 1–7 at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex.
Canada will ice two teams, Canada Red and Canada White, against the United States, Finland, Sweden and Czechia. With some of the country’s top young prospects selected, the tournament will offer an early look at players to watch as they continue their development toward major junior and potentially professional hockey.
Hockey Canada originally announced 44 players for the two Canadian teams. Following subsequent roster changes, Brady Ondrus has joined Canada Red, replacing Athens Shingoose, while Pierre-Alexandre Lemieux has joined Canada White, replacing Louis-Oscar Holowaychuk. The Canadian teams remain at 22 players apiece.
Tournament at a glance
- Dates: November 1–7, 2026
- Location: Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, Oakville, Ontario
- Teams: Canada Red, Canada White, United States, Finland, Sweden and Czechia
- Pre-tournament games: October 30
- Quarterfinals: November 5
- Semifinals: November 6
- Medal games: November 7
The preliminary round begins November 1, with Canada White facing Czechia and Canada Red taking on Finland. The tournament concludes with the medal games on November 7.
Tournament groups
Group A
- Canada Red
- Finland
- United States
Group B
- Canada White
- Czechia
- Sweden
The preliminary round determines the quarterfinal and semifinal matchups. The group winners advance directly to the semifinals, while the remaining teams compete in the quarterfinals on November 5.
Tournament schedule
| Date | Stage |
|---|---|
| October 30 | Pre-tournament games |
| November 1–4 | Preliminary round |
| November 5 | Quarterfinals |
| November 6 | Semifinals |
| November 7 | Medal games |
Canada White opens tournament play against Czechia, while Canada Red faces Finland on November 1.
For the complete game-by-game schedule, start times and results, visit the official Hockey Canada tournament schedule.
Canada’s CHL representation
The Canadian rosters feature prospects connected to all three major junior leagues: the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Western Hockey League (WHL) and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
Hockey Canada’s original announcement reported the following breakdown by CHL draft affiliation:
| League | Original count |
|---|---|
| OHL | 18 |
| WHL | 17 |
| QMJHL | 9 |
| Total | 44 |
Following the latest roster changes, the player replacing Holowaychuk, Pierre-Alexandre Lemieux, is affiliated with the QMJHL, while Brady Ondrus replaces WHL-affiliated Athens Shingoose. This changes the expected breakdown to 18 OHL, 16 WHL and 10 QMJHL selections, provided the league counts are based on each player’s draft affiliation.
These totals describe draft affiliation rather than necessarily representing each player’s current team or league. The official Hockey Canada roster pages should be used as the final source of record.
Players to watch
Canada Red
Brady Ondrus — Kamloops Blazers (WHL)
Ondrus is one of the newest additions to Canada’s roster. The Sherwood Park, Alberta, forward was selected by Kamloops in the second round of the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft. At the time of his October 26 announcement, he had recorded five goals and two assists in 12 games. His addition gives Canada Red another forward to follow throughout the tournament. Brady is replacing Prince Albert Forward Athens Shingoose.
Thomas Boisvert — Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL)
Boisvert was selected first overall in the 2026 QMJHL Draft by Rouyn-Noranda. His inclusion makes him one of the key prospects to watch as he tests himself against international competition.
Liam Pue — Regina Pats (WHL)
Pue brings previous international experience, having won silver with Canada White at the 2025 U17 World Challenge and gold with Canada at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Lucas Matheson — Barrie Colts (OHL)
Matheson is one of the OHL prospects to follow on Canada Red. The tournament provides a chance to evaluate his game against players from different development systems.
Canada White
Pierre-Alexandre Lemieux — Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)
Lemieux is one of the two latest roster additions. The L’Assomption, Quebec, native was selected fourth overall by Shawinigan in the 2026 QMJHL Draft. He had recorded five goals and five assists in 12 games when his selection was reported. He replaces Louis-Oscar Holowaychuk on Canada White.
Maddox Schultz — Regina Pats (WHL)
Schultz was selected first overall in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft. He won silver with Canada White at the 2025 U17 World Challenge and gold at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, giving him valuable experience on the international stage.
Madden Daneault — Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Daneault was selected first overall in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft by Kelowna. He is another high-profile prospect worth tracking during the tournament.
Kane Cloutier — Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Cloutier was selected first overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection by Oshawa. Playing the tournament in Ontario gives fans an opportunity to watch one of the province’s top young prospects on the international stage.
These players are highlighted based on their draft status, recent accomplishments and international experience, rather than a definitive prediction of tournament scoring leaders.
Official Canada Red roster
The current roster includes Brady Ondrus, who replaces Athens Shingoose.
| Player | Position | Hometown | Current team | League |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mateo Ferreira | Defence | Winnipeg, MB | Kamloops | WHL |
| Maxwell Fransen | Defence | Toronto, ON | Owen Sound | OHL |
| Thor Liffiton | Defence | Calgary, AB | Penticton | WHL |
| Vincent Boutet | Defence | Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaur, QC | Victoriaville | QMJHL |
| Reid Nicol | Forward | Brandon, MB | Everett | WHL |
| Kash Kwajah | Forward | Etobicoke, ON | Sudbury | OHL |
| Ben Oliverio | Forward | Calgary, AB | Tri-City | WHL |
| Gavin Godick | Defence | Thunder Bay, ON | Wellington | OJHL |
| Liam Pue | Forward | Langley, BC | Regina | WHL |
| Zaac Charbonneau | Forward | Gatineau, QC | Muskegon | USHL |
| Landon Roulston | Forward | Oakville, ON | Peterborough | OHL |
| Kyler Lauder | Forward | Uxbridge, ON | Saginaw | OHL |
| Thomas Boisvert | Forward | Trois-Rivières, QC | Rouyn-Noranda | QMJHL |
| Drew Bate | Forward | Union, ON | Saginaw | OHL |
| Cole Guizzetti | Forward | Sault Ste. Marie, ON | Flint | OHL |
| Lucas Matheson | Defence | Barrie, ON | Barrie | OHL |
| Tanner Adams | Forward | Porcupine, ON | Sudbury | OHL |
| Brady Ondrus | Forward | Sherwood Park, AB | Kamloops | WHL |
| Jakob Royer | Forward | Trois-Rivières, QC | Victoriaville | QMJHL |
| Lawrence Williams | Defence | Kings Head, NS | Saint John | QMJHL |
| Owen Loftus | Goaltender | Toronto, ON | North Bay | OHL |
| Nathan Boulanger | Goaltender | L’Assomption, QC | Collège Esther-Blondin | LHM18AAAQ |
Official source: Hockey Canada — Canada Red roster
Official Canada White roster
The current roster includes Pierre-Alexandre Lemieux, who replaces Louis-Oscar Holowaychuk.
| Player | Position | Hometown | Current team | League |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Sgro | Defence | Alliston, ON | Sarnia | OHL |
| Holden Wouters | Defence | Vancouver, BC | Shattuck-St. Mary’s School | US18U |
| Jaden Licastro | Defence | Toronto, ON | Sault Ste. Marie | OHL |
| Declan McNally | Defence | LaSalle, ON | Barrie | OHL |
| Cruz Jim | Defence | Grande Prairie, AB | Brandon | WHL |
| Kane Cloutier | Forward | Oakville, ON | Oshawa | OHL |
| Ryan Beaulieu | Defence | London, ON | St. Thomas | GOHL |
| Chace Turchak | Forward | Calgary, AB | Red Deer | WHL |
| Jace Voortman | Forward | Thunder Bay, ON | Owen Sound | OHL |
| Andrew Laurin | Forward | Kingston, ON | Ottawa | OHL |
| Logan Henry | Forward | Prince George, BC | Regina | WHL |
| Max Brien | Forward | Fall River, NS | Rimouski | QMJHL |
| Kain Martinuik | Forward | Peachland, BC | Saskatoon | WHL |
| Maddox Schultz | Forward | Regina, SK | Regina | WHL |
| Madden Daneault | Forward | Red Deer, AB | Kelowna | WHL |
| Crosby Mateychuk | Defence | Dominion City, MB | Vancouver | WHL |
| Riley Brown | Forward | Milestone, SK | Wenatchee | WHL |
| Jacob McKinnon | Forward | Québec, QC | Blainville-Boisbriand | QMJHL |
| Colin Kennedy | Forward | Sault Ste. Marie, ON | Erie | OHL |
| Pierre-Alexandre Lemieux | Forward | L’Assomption, QC | Shawinigan | QMJHL |
| Dylan Mingo | Goaltender | Peachland, BC | Moose Jaw | WHL |
| Zachary Lainesse | Goaltender | Lévis, QC | Rouyn-Noranda | QMJHL |
Official source: Hockey Canada — Canada White roster
GOHL Spotlight: Ryan Beaulieu’s Hard Work Continues to Show Dividends
Ryan Beaulieu’s selection to Canada White is a great moment for the St. Thomas Stars and the GOHL, showcasing the talent developing outside major junior hockey. The London, Ontario native was drafted 14th overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection by the London Knights, coming out of the London Jr. Knights U16 AAA program.
After recording 47 points in 28 games last season and helping lead his team to an Alliance championship, Beaulieu’s continued success and hard work have earned him an opportunity to compete with some of the best U17 players in the world. With the St. Thomas Stars also enjoying success lately, his selection is another positive story for the organization and the GOHL. Ryan Currently has 2 Goals 5 Assists through 7GP with St Thomas this season.
International teams to watch
Canada’s two teams will face four international opponents, each bringing a different style of play.
- United States: A major rival with the ability to challenge for a place in the medal round.
- Finland: A structured opponent known for disciplined team play and player development.
- Sweden: A strong European program that will test Canada’s pace, puck movement and defensive detail.
- Czechia: A technically skilled team looking to challenge the Canadian sides and Sweden in Group B.
With only two preliminary games per team, each result can have a significant impact on the route to the medal round.
Tickets and viewing information
Fans can find ticket information through the official Hockey Canada ticket page.
Hockey Canada has also announced coverage through its broadcast partners and streaming platform. Check the official tournament page for the latest viewing information, ticket availability and schedule updates.
Final thoughts: Who takes the crown?
Canada enters the 2026 U17 World Challenge with two talented rosters and a strong history at the event. But the United States, Finland, Sweden and Czechia will all be looking to prevent another Canadian title.
For the players, this is an important early opportunity to represent their country, compete against international opposition and show how their games are progressing. The late additions of Brady Ondrus and Pierre-Alexandre Lemieux also add fresh storylines to the Canadian selections.
Follow Next Gen Hockey for tournament coverage, prospect analysis and updates as the next generation of hockey talent takes the ice in Oakville.