After two straight quarterfinal exits at the world junior championship, Hockey Canada is trying a new approach before the 2026 tournament.
A training camp, rather than a selection camp, will be held in Niagara Falls, Ont., Dec. 12-22, Hockey Canada announced Friday.
The organization also says it will bring a smaller group of players to the camp ahead of the world juniors, which start Dec. 26 in Minnesota
Last year, Hockey Canada held a far shorter selection camp (four days) and invited 32 players.
“Our group is moving forward without the traditional December selection camp, bringing a smaller group of players to Ontario and prioritizing preparation over further player evaluation and selection,” national junior team general manager Alan Millar said in a statement. “We remain committed in our goal to be best prepared for Boxing Day and bringing a gold medal back to Canada.â€
Several eligible players for Canada are in the NHL, including Matthew Schaefer (New York Islanders), Michael Misa (San Jose Sharks), Sam Dickinson (Sharks), Beckett Sennecke (Anaheim Ducks), Zayne Parekh (Calgary Flames), Berkly Catton (Seattle Kraken), Ben Kindel (Pittsburgh Penguins), Jett Luchanko (Philadelphia Flyers) and Harrison Brunicke (Penguins).
Also, more NCAA players than usual figure to be getting consideration from Canada after the rule change this year allowing ex-CHL players to play U.S. college hockey. Top candidates include Gavin McKenna (Penn State), Keaton Verhoeff (North Dakota) and Michael Hage (Michigan).
Hockey Canada says the junior team will have a three-game pre-tournament schedule. Dates and locations for the games have yet to be announced.
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