Following Wolrd Juniors Summer Showcase which has just ended in Minnesota, Craig Button Delivered his “dream” prediction of the Canadian team for the 2026 Junior World Cup, assuming that all players are available and healthy.
He sees an extremely talented, deep and balanced alignment, directed by Dale Hunter. The team is led by veterans like Gavin McKenna, Berkeley Catton et Carter Georgeand reinforced by an imposing defensive brigade led by Matthew Schaefer.
Button has seen in this cuvée one of the most promising for a long time, with 19 choices of first round already drafted and a 20th in the making with McKenna.
Pattered Alignment of Team Canada 2026 according to Craig Button
Attackers
1er trio
- AG : Gavin McKenna
- C : Roger McQueen
- Ad: Porter Martone
Trio star: McKenna the creative, Martone the shadow worker, and McQueen, a complete and physically imposing center, who binds everything.
2e trio
- AG: Michael Misa
- C : Berkeley Catton (capitaine)
- AD : Beckett Sennecke
A quick and talented line, led by Catton, a born leader who energizes the game.
3E trio
- AG: tj ginla
- C : Caleb Desnoyers
- AD : Michael Hage
Offensive line. Hage impresses with its finish, Iginla comes back strongly after an injury, and Desnoyers complete with its robustness.
4th trio (identity line)
- : Liam Greetreee
- C : Sam O’Reilly
- AD : Brady Martin
A line of reliability, energy and defensive responsibility, capable of changing the tone of a match.
13th striker in the event of an injury or rotation:
- Cole Reschny (mentioned as a player very close to doing the team)
Defenders
1er duo
- G : Matthew Schaefer
- D: Zayne Parekh
Duo Élite: Schaefer, the 1st choice in total, completes Parekh, a dynamic defender with offensive flair.
2nd duo
- G : Sam Dickinson
- D : Harrison Brunicke
Dickinson returns to the tournament, twinned with Brunicke, a solid rear that would have made the team last year without his injury.
3e duo
- G : Kayshaun Aitchison
- D: Ben Danford
Aitchison brings mobility and physical, Danford is a specialist in defeating, defensive game and blocked shots.
Potential reservists:
- Cameron Reid
- Charlie Ellick
- Keaton Verhoeff (followed closely by button as future replacement possible)
Goalkeepers
- #1 : Carter George (return, very motivated)
- #2 : Jack Ivankovic
- #3 : Joshua Ravensbergen
No doubt for Button: these three are the trio of indisputable guards. George could aim for a golden hat -trick (U18, Hlinka, World Junior).
Conclusion
Craig Button sees in this edition of team Canada a real war machine, completes all positions, led by a coach who knows the winning recipe.
The tournament begins on December 26 against Czech Republic, the executioner of Canada in the last two editions. A road to redemption begins.