- Hlinka Gretzky Cup canada roster: Canada brings a deep group of forwards, defenders, and young goaltenders.
- Key forwards: Brock England, Maddox Schultz, Liam Pew, and Alexis Joseph headline the attacking group.
- Defensive focus: Landon Dupont carries major draft attention and wears the captaincy in 2026.
- Group schedule: Canada faces Switzerland, Slovakia, and Sweden from August 3 through August 5, 2026.
- Tournament goal: Canada is targeting a return to the gold medal game on home ice in Edmonton.
Hlinka Gretzky Cup canada roster Overview
The Hlinka Gretzky Cup canada roster is built around speed, scoring skill, mobile defensemen, and two developing goaltenders. Canada enters the 2026 tournament in Edmonton with significant expectations after taking bronze in 2025. The team also wants to respond after a semifinal loss to the United States in 2025.
Canada has historically been the most successful nation at this tournament. The program has collected 25 gold medals across 35 tournaments, although the event was canceled in 2020 and Canada did not participate in 2021. Canada won the tournament in 2022, 2023, and 2024 before finishing third in 2025.
Video Highlights:
- Canada’s recent Hlinka Gretzky Cup history and medal record
- The projected 2026 roster by position
- Players to watch before the 2026 Under-18 campaign
- Canada’s group-stage matchups and medal-round route
The tournament is especially important because it takes place during the summer hockey calendar. Many top under-18 prospects are available, giving scouts and fans an early look at players who could become major contributors at the 2026 Under-18 World Championship and the 2027 NHL Draft cycle.
| Position Group | Players Listed for Canada | Main Team Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Forwards | Charlie McRad, Cameron Warren, Brock Turoni, Brock England, Ryerson Edgar, Benjamin Vitch, Maddox Schultz, Ben Harvey, Caden Strader, Liam Pew, Yakob Isak, Alex Cullman, Alexis Joseph | Speed, scoring touch, physical pressure |
| Defensemen | Boston Tate, Malak Letellier, Matt Henderson, Landon Dupont, Brock Cripps, Quinn Norman, Cooper McAslin | Mobility, puck movement, transition play |
| Goaltenders | Sam Bartholomew, Leif Öden | Strong U17 experience and competition for starts |
Use the Hlinka Gretzky Cup as an early evaluation point rather than a final ranking. Summer form can change quickly as players adjust to tournament pace.
Players to Watch on Team Canada
Canada’s forward group contains several players with different styles. Brock England is described as a go-to offensive option who combines speed, playmaking, goal-scoring ability, and a willingness to play physically. His performance could influence his draft standing during the 2026–27 season.
Maddox Schultz and Liam Pew are two underage forwards who already stood out at the previous World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Schultz led that event in scoring, while both players developed chemistry with the Regina Pats. Their ability to contribute against older competition makes them important pieces of Canada’s lineup.
Alexis Joseph is another major offensive name. He was the leading point producer at the World Hockey Challenge and was the only player from Canada’s 2026 Under-18 World Championship roster included in this group. His combination of size, skating, and power-forward instincts gives Canada a useful net-front and transition threat.
Brock England
- Explosive speed
- Reliable playmaking
- Physical edge
- Draft-year attention
Maddox Schultz
- Underage standout
- Strong scoring record
- Regina Pats chemistry
- Offensive upside
Liam Pew
- Creative offensive game
- Effective two-way habits
- Familiar line chemistry
- Important development test
Alexis Joseph
- Power-forward profile
- Uses size effectively
- Proven point production
- Dangerous in scoring areas
Landon Dupont is the most closely watched defender on the roster. He has been projected as a leading candidate for the top selection in the upcoming draft cycle for several years. In 2026, he enters the tournament with the captaincy after serving as an alternate captain in 2025.
Dupont’s challenge is not simply to collect points. He must show that he can manage pressure, move the puck under forechecking pressure, and lead a defense corps expected to play aggressively on home ice.
Brock Cripps offers a different defensive profile. He is a smaller, mobile defenseman with skating ability, offensive awareness, and enough defensive skill to support a fast transition game. His size may affect how scouts evaluate him, but a strong tournament could strengthen his first-round case.
| Player | Role | Strength to Track | Tournament Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brock England | Top offensive option | Speed and finishing | Can he become Canada’s consistent scoring driver? |
| Maddox Schultz | Underage scoring forward | Production and chemistry | Can he create against older defenders? |
| Liam Pew | Two-way forward | Offensive support and awareness | Can he maintain impact beyond one line? |
| Alexis Joseph | Power forward | Size, skating, danger-area play | Can he convert chances against top nations? |
| Landon Dupont | Captain and top defender | Leadership and transition | Can he handle the tournament spotlight? |
| Brock Cripps | Mobile defenseman | Skating and offensive IQ | Can his tools offset his smaller frame? |
The most valuable signs are repeatable habits: clean exits, controlled entries, defensive reads, and impact during close games.
Canada Schedule and Medal Path
Canada’s preliminary-round schedule runs from August 3 to August 5, 2026. The team begins against Switzerland, then plays Slovakia on the second day, and finishes the group stage against Sweden.
The Swiss matchup is the most demanding opening test. Switzerland is expected to have high-end skill but less depth than Canada. Canada’s best approach is to establish its pace early, pressure the Swiss defense, and avoid allowing a small deficit to become a low-event game.
The Slovakia game should offer Canada a favorable matchup on paper, but it comes on the second consecutive day. Fatigue and slow starts could make this more competitive than expected. Canada must manage its shifts and avoid giving Slovakia early momentum.
Sweden provides a strong final group-stage test. The Swedish roster may not be its strongest possible lineup, but Sweden still has quality players and a structured style. Canada will need to maintain possession and dictate tempo rather than relying only on individual skill.
| Date in 2026 | Opponent | Round | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 3 | Switzerland | Preliminary round | Handle Swiss skill and create an early lead |
| August 4 | Slovakia | Preliminary round | Manage back-to-back workload and avoid a slow start |
| August 5 | Sweden | Preliminary round | Control pace against a disciplined opponent |
| August 8, 2:00 p.m. ET | To be determined | Bronze medal game | Applies if Canada loses its semifinal |
| August 8, 7:00 p.m. ET | To be determined | Gold medal game | Applies if Canada wins its semifinal |
The semifinal format depends on group placement. The top two teams from each group advance, with the matchup structure following an A1-versus-B2 and A2-versus-B1 format. The semifinal winners meet for gold, while the semifinal losers play for bronze.
Canada does not necessarily need to win all three preliminary games to reach the semifinals. Two victories should place the team in a strong position, although three-way tiebreakers can affect the final standings.
Start Fast Against Switzerland
Establish forechecking pressure, get pucks toward the net, and use Canada’s depth before Switzerland can settle into a controlled defensive structure.
Protect Energy Against Slovakia
Keep shifts disciplined and avoid unnecessary penalties. The second game is played on consecutive days, so line balance and defensive support matter.
Finish the Group Against Sweden
Test Canada’s puck movement against Sweden’s structure. Winning the possession battle can create better playoff seeding.
Prepare for the Semifinal
Review the opponent’s transition patterns and identify which Canadian forwards can attack the middle of the ice.
Win the Key Moments
In the medal round, special teams, goaltending, and late-game decisions can determine whether Canada plays for bronze or gold.
The listed times and medal-round scenarios should be checked against the official tournament hub before match day, especially if group standings create a tiebreaker.
Goaltending, Team Style, and Priorities
Leif Öden is identified as the likely starting option, while Sam Bartholomew is listed among Canada’s goaltenders. The broader tournament evaluation should remain open because both Canadian netminders have shown promise in under-17 competition.
The goaltending battle is important for more than the first game. Canada may use both players during the preliminary round, then choose the netminder who is playing with the most confidence for the semifinal and medal games.
| Team Area | What Canada Does Well | What Could Decide the Tournament |
|---|---|---|
| Forward depth | Multiple scoring options and different line styles | Finishing chances against compact defenses |
| Transition game | Mobile defenders and fast forwards | Clean first passes under pressure |
| Physical play | Several forwards can add pressure and compete along the boards | Avoiding penalties while maintaining intensity |
| Goaltending | Two promising options with U17 experience | Consistency during elimination games |
| Leadership | Dupont carries the captaincy and draft attention | Responding calmly after setbacks |
Canada’s ideal identity is a balanced combination of skill and physicality. The roster has enough offensive ability to attack quickly, but success will depend on defensive commitment. Canada cannot assume that individual talent will solve every matchup, particularly against the United States, Finland, Czechia, or Sweden.
The 2025 semifinal loss to the United States remains a useful reference point. A strong 2026 campaign requires Canada to manage pressure when games become close rather than forcing risky plays in search of immediate offense.
Canada Tournament Checklist:
- Confirm the final active roster and line combinations
- Track whether Leif Öden or Sam Bartholomew starts each game
- Watch Maddox Schultz and Liam Pew in underage matchups
- Evaluate Landon Dupont’s leadership and defensive transitions
- Record Canada’s semifinal opponent and medal-round result
For updated results, final standings, and event announcements, check the official IIHF event pages as the 2026 tournament progresses.
Canada Outlook and FAQ
Canada enters the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup as a strong contender, supported by home-ice familiarity in Edmonton, recent tournament success, and a roster featuring several high-profile prospects. The main question is whether the team can convert that talent into consistent playoff execution.
The path to gold is clear: win the possession battle, get reliable goaltending, use the forward depth, and avoid a repeat of the semifinal disappointment from 2025. The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is also an important development checkpoint for players who hope to feature at the 2026 Under-18 World Championship.
The roster should be judged by how it performs in pressure situations. A high-scoring preliminary round is useful, but close games against the United States, Finland, Czechia, or another medal contender will provide the clearest test of Canada’s readiness.
Q: Who is expected to lead the Hlinka Gretzky Cup canada roster?
Brock England, Alexis Joseph, Maddox Schultz, Liam Pew, and captain Landon Dupont are the primary players to watch. Each offers a different type of value, from scoring and size to skating, leadership, and transition play.
Q: Who are Canada’s 2026 goaltenders?
Sam Bartholomew and Leif Öden are listed as Canada’s goaltenders. Öden is described as the likely starter, but both players have relevant under-17 experience and may receive opportunities during the preliminary round.
Q: When does Canada play in the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup?
Canada plays Switzerland on August 3, Slovakia on August 4, and Sweden on August 5, 2026. The bronze and gold medal games are scheduled for August 8, 2026.
Q: Can Canada win the 2026 tournament?
Canada is considered a strong contender because of its depth, home-ice setting, and recent record. However, the semifinal stage is difficult, and success will depend on goaltending, discipline, and execution in close games.
Follow the preliminary-round results, but place the greatest weight on Canada’s response in the semifinal. That game will reveal whether this group is ready to reclaim gold.