Hockey Canada has announced the 22 players selected to wear the Maple Leaf with Canada’s National Junior Team at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The roster – including three goaltenders, seven defencemen and 12 forwards – was chosen following a four-day selection camp at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville that included a pair of games against a team of U SPORTS all-stars.
The 22 players include representation from seven Members and one returnee – Owen Beck – who helped Canada win a 20th World Juniors gold last year in Halifax.
“This was a tremendously competitive camp that showed once again the depth of talent that exists across the country,” said Peter Anholt (Naicam, SK/Lethbridge, WHL), the under-20 lead for the Program of Excellence management group. “With so many talented players, difficult decisions had to be made, but the management, coaching and scouting staffs believe the team we have assembled will give us the best chance to compete for a gold medal in Sweden. We are excited to travel to Europe and are grateful to the Town of Oakville and the fans for being part of our journey.”
Canada will open its pre-tournament schedule against a U25 team from Denmark on Dec. 19 before facing Switzerland on Dec. 22 and the United States on Dec. 23.
