2024 Canada World Junior Roster
Introduction to the Canadian roster
The Canadians have long had success at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships. They lead all nations with 20 gold medals. They lead all nations with 35 medals in total. In recent times, that success has not slowed down. Canada has won four of the last six tournaments — failing to medal just once in the last seven tries.
The 2024 squad is home to nine first round draft picks and 18 drafted players altogether. Additionally, they will bring the consensus and presumptive first-overall selection in the 2024 draft. As usual, Canada will be without several Junior-eligible players currently playing at the NHL level. This includes 2023 No. 1 pick Connor Bedard, as well as Adam Fantilli, Shane Wright, Kevin Korchinski, and Zach Benson.
After helping Canada win gold at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship as an assistant coach, Alan Letang returns to take the lead as head coach. He will be joined by assistant coaches Gilles Bouchard, Shaun Clouston, and Scott Walker. Additionally, former World Junior gold medal winner, Justin Pogge will act as goaltending consultant.
Canada World Junior Roster
Goaltenders
Scott Ratzlaff - Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Samuel St-Hilaire - Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL)
Mathis Rousseau - Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Defensemen
Denton Mateychuk - Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Oliver Bonk - London Knights (OHL)
Tanner Molendyk - Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
Jake Furlong - Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Noah Warren - Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL)
Tristan Luneau - Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
Maveric Lamoureux - Drummondville Voltigeurs
Forwards
Owen Allard - Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
Owen Beck - Peterborough Petes (OHL)
Macklin Celebrini - Boston Univeristy (NCAA)
Easton Cowen - London Knights (OHL)
Nate Danielson - Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Jordan Dumais - Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Conor Geekie - Wenatchee Wild (WHL)
Fraser Minten - Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
Matthew Poitras - Boston Bruins (NHL)
Carson Rehkopf - Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Matthew Wood - University of Connecticut (NCAA)
Brayden Yager - Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Thoughts on the Roster
Unlike most years, this edition of the Canadian junior team is lacking experience. Owen Beck is the lone returnee from last year’s team and he carries just three games of experience. Only Norway, who played in the Division 1 tournament last year, is less experienced. However, the vastness of talent remains. While this version won’t be expected to run-and-gun over the competition every outing, they will surely possess the usually hard-nosed, physical style that will open up space for the skill players to operate.
Adjusting to the size of the ice will be an issue as it always is for North American squads. And while the Americans and Swedes present a more skillful lineup on paper, it would be foolish to ever count out the Canadians as they look for their third ever three-peat.