Team Canada has named its initial 19-man roster that will play at the upcoming U-18 World Hockey Championship held in Espoo and Vantaa, Finland.

Canada can still add one goalie, one defenseman and two forwards.

Some of the top names on the roster include Mississauga Steelheads forward Porter Martone, Brandon Wheat Kings forward Roger McQueen, 2026 top prospect Gavin McKenna and more.

Martone is the only forward from the 2023 U-18 team to return and have another shot at a gold medal after winning bronze. At the 2023 tournament, Martone notched three goals and six points in seven games.

10 players on the roster won gold at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky tournament which includes Martone, Cole Beaudoin, Charlie Elick, Carter George, Liam Greentree, Ryerson Leenders, Ryder Ritchie, Malcolm Spence and Carson Wetsch.

“We are excited to bring this calibre of young athletes together to begin working with our coaching staff,” said Roy. “Having players who already know how to compete in a short-term tournament will also bring valuable experience and leadership to our team in our quest for a gold medal.”

Last week, Hockey Canada announced Gardiner MacDougall as head coach. The roster was selected by head scout Byron Bonora and Benoit Roy with input from goaltending consultant Justin Pogge and analytics consultant Gianfranco Giuliano.

In total, two players from the QMJHL were selected, seven players from the WHL were selected and 10 from the OHL.

Canada’s quest for gold will begin on April 25 against Sweden. Canada will then face Czechia, Switzerland and Kazakhstan to close out preliminary round action. Canada will face Finland and Norway in pre-tournament games on April 20 and April 23.

Canada looks to capture a gold medal for the first time since 2021 on a team that featured NHLers Connor Bedard, Dylan Guenther, Logan Stankoven, Mason McTavish, Olen Zellweger and more.