Canada enters the U18 World Hockey Championship with just one gold and three bronze Medals in the last 10 years. 

That one gold came in 2021, the lone year where Canada iced a full-power roster and Connor Bedard announced himself on the international stage. 

There's something a little bit different this year. It's not the highest-powered team that Canada could ice without top prospects Cayden Lindstrom, Berkly Catton, and others tied up in the CHL playoffs. However, it's a deeper, more skilled roster compared to most years previous. 

The offence is headlined by Gavin McKenna, the top 2026 Draft prospect who scored 63 points in 32 games to close out the WHL's regular season. Eight 2025 Draft eligibles are also present, most of whom are likely to play big roles.   

They still might not be the favourites, but they aren't far off, either.