A return to the red and white
One year removed from a record-setting run at the IIHF World Championship, three Canadians are back to defend gold
Representing your country at the IIHF World Championship doesn’t come along every year, and some players are okay with that; playing at worlds means your team either missed the NHL playoffs, or made an early exit.
But ask Matt Duchene, Taylor Hall or Ryan O’Reilly how they felt about their postseason accomplishments last year, and odds are they’d talk not about their NHL disappointments, but about their spring in Prague.
The trio were members of the Canadian contingent that swept through the 2015 worlds in record-setting fashion; Canada became the first team to ever win 10 games at a single world championship, and its 66 goals were the most scored by any team since 1977, when NHLers began to participate.
One year later, and Duchene, Hall and O’Reilly are the only three players returning to Team Canada as it tries to go back-to-back at the worlds for the first time since 2003 and 2004.
This time around, though, Canada has swapped names like Crosby, Spezza and Burns with youngsters like McDavid, Domi and Rielly, leaving the returnees with leadership roles on and off the ice.
“When it comes to age, our team is much younger than it was last year,” says O’Reilly. “I feel like having gone through the tournament I have a little more experience, and I have a responsibility to prepare guys and make sure everyone is ready to go night in, night out.”
“I’m not a real rah-rah guy, but certainly having been here before I can help out the new guys,” adds Hall. “We have a lot of new faces and a lot of young guys on this team who maybe haven’t played in too many situations like this before. So if they can get comfortable, and get used to their surroundings, I think that’s good.”
For Duchene, the role of returnee is nothing new; the 25-year-old Olympic gold medallist is playing at his fifth IIHF World Championship – he made his debut at 19 at the 2010 tournament in Germany.
“I can help guys with what I’ve seen and what I think works on the big ice and in these tournaments,” says the Haliburton, Ont., native, who has more than 70 international games on his résumé.
“I know what to expect and hopefully I can be there for guys that have any questions or want to lean on a veteran. I’m just trying to be positive in the room, work hard on the ice and lead by example.”
While playing in the world championship is a great consolation prize for not chasing the Stanley Cup in the NHL playoffs – especially when winning a medal is involved – the experience goes beyond that.
Most of the players that comprise Canada’s roster are stars and important contributors on their own teams, but the worlds allow each of them to not only get to know each other off the ice, but share knowledge on it.
“We had such an elite group last year and that’s why we could pick up a few things from each other,” Duchene says. “I felt like we did that throughout the tournament and that helped us come together as a group and obviously we had a lot of fun.”
For Hall and O’Reilly, last year’s tournament was particularly special because it allowed them to play alongside Canadian hockey royalty – IIHF Triple Gold Club member Sidney Crosby.
“As soon as they named Sid to the team, I think that forced everyone to raise their play,” says Hall. “It forced everyone to know that it was either gold or bust for our team. That’s just what Sid brings to the table.”
After playing against him during the NHL season, O’Reilly was familiar with Crosby’s on-ice exploits, but it was during workouts and practice the Buffalo Sabres forward learned a lot about himself and his game.
“Seeing him practice the way he did and the pace that he played at was incredible,” O’Reilly remembers. “He dominated no matter what he did, he played with a good attitude and he was effective, so it was a real treat to see. You just learn to find that intensity that he brings.”
That intensity, that mindset and that come-together factor are all things that the trio has brought to this year’s edition of Team Canada as it goes for gold in Russia.
If the Canadians are going to go back-to-back, their leaders know what it will take – gel quickly, be consistent, and take it game by game, and Canada just might stay on top of the hockey world.
Men’s Worlds Preview: Canada vs. Austria
Thursday, May 15 | 2:20 p.m. ET | Stockholm, Sweden | Preliminary Round
Canada’s National Men’s Team has officially reached the halfway mark of the preliminary round as it prepares to face Austria on Thursday at the 2025 IIHF World Championship at Avicii Arena.
Last Game
Canada made it three wins in a row with a 5-0 shut out of France on Tuesday. Bo Horvat scored twice, and Will Cuylle, Brandon Montour and Sidney Crosby recorded their first goals of tournament. Jordan Binnington made his first appearance, stopping 15 shots for the shutout.
Austria is coming off a big 3-2 shootout victory over Slovakia for its first win. Peter Schneider and Marco Kasper gave the Austrians a 2-0 lead, but the Slovaks tied the game with just under 10 minutes remaining. Although Austria had a power play in overtime, they were unable to convert sending the teams to a shootout where Schneider notched the game-winner. David Kickert made 31 saves for the win.
Last Meeting
The Canadians earned a 5-1 win over Austria in pre-tournament action on May 4. Ryan O’Reilly opened the scoring early in the first period before Macklin Celebrini, Ty Ronning and Will Cuylle made it a 4-1 lead after 40 minutes. Tyson Foerster scored late in the third and Dylan Garand made 22 saves.
The last Men’s Worlds meeting came almost a year to the day and it was a wild one. The Canadians led 6-1 after 40 minutes thanks to goals from six different players, but the Austrians mounted a record comeback, scoring five times in the third period to force overtime. The extra frame didn’t last long; captain John Tavares ended it after just 15 seconds to give Canada a 7-6 victory.
What to Watch
With a big game against France, Horvat leads Canada in scoring with four goals and an assist, followed by Nathan MacKinnon and Travis Konecny with two goals and three assists each. The penalty kill has also been really strong; Canada has yet to give up a goal while a man short, killing all seven opposition power plays. And how about goaltending? Canada has had a different goaltender start every game so far, with Binnington, Marc-André Fleury and Dylan Garand combining to allow only one goal on 43 shots with two shutouts.
Austria finished 10th at Men’s Worlds last year—its best finish since 2003. Dominic Zwerger was the leading scorer for the Austrians in 2024 with two goals and eight points in seven games, and he’s back again this year on the national team. The majority of the roster plays at home or in Switzerland except for Kasper. The 21-year-old wrapped up his first full season with the Detroit Red Wings, recording 19 goals and 37 points in his rookie campaign.
A Look Back
This is the 14th meeting between Canada and Austria at Men’s Worlds, and Canada has won every matchup except for 2-2 tie in 2004.
Only three of the 13 meetings have come in the 21st century – the tie in 2004, the overtime thriller from a year ago and a 10-1 Canadian win in 2015 that featured points from 13 skaters, and two goals and two assists each from Matt Duchene and Jason Spezza.
All-time record: Canada leads 12-0-1 (1-0 in OT) Canada goals: 75 Austria goals: 13
Men’s Worlds Preview: Canada vs. France
Tuesday, May 13 | 2:20 p.m. ET | Stockholm, Sweden | Preliminary Round
The preliminary round of the 2025 IIHF World Championship continues Tuesday as Canada’s National Men’s Team looks to make it three-for-three when it takes on France at Avicii Arena.
Last Game
Canada earned its second win in as many games with a 7-1 victory over Latvia on Sunday. Although the Latvians scored first, Canada responded with seven unanswered goals. Travis Konecny had two goals and an assist, Kent Johnson scored twice, and Macklin Celebrini and Barrett Hayton recorded their first goals of the tournament. Sidney Crosby had three assists and Marc-André Fleury earned his first career Men’s Worlds win with 16 saves.
France pushed Finland to its limit, but ended up falling 4-3 in overtime on Sunday. Kevin Bozon got France on the board first with a power-play goal, with Tim Bozon adding another with the man advantage midway through the third period for a 2-1 lead. Jordann Perret made it 3-1 with an empty-net goal with under three minutes to go, but the Finns rallied with a pair of late goals to force overtime before Juuso Parssinen ended it 84 seconds into the extra frame. Antoine Keller made 47 saves for France.
Last Meeting
Canada last played France in the preliminary round at the 2022 Men’s Worlds, with the Canadians earning a 7-1 win. Pierre-Luc Dubois led Canada with two goals and an assist. Dylan Cozens had a goal and two helpers and Drake Batherson pitched in with four assists. Chris Driedger made 18 saves and the Canadians outshot the French 44-19.
What to Watch
Travis Konecny and Nathan MacKinnon lead Canada with two goals and two assists each, leaving them tied for fifth in tournament scoring. Konecny had a strong pre-tournament with a goal and two assists against Hungary last week. The 28-year-old is coming off his best NHL season with 24 goals and 76 points with the Philadelphia Flyers. MacKinnon also had a strong season with the Colorado Avalanche, recording 32 goals and 84 assists for his third-consecutive 100-point season. Speaking to the talent on this team, at one point against Latvia of the Canadians put out a forward line consisting only of players selected No. 1 in the NHL Draft—MacKinnon (2013), Crosby (2005) and Celebrini (2024).
Special teams have been key for France through two games. The French are 2-for-3 on the power play and have yet to allow a goal on the penalty kill. As mentioned above, Keller was against Finland, making 47 saves. The 20-year-old netminder was selected by the Washington Capitals in the seventh round of the 2023 NHL Draft. He played in 13 games with Lausanne HC in the Swiss National League this year, posting a 5-5 record, 3.16 goals-against average and .894 save percentage.
A Look Back
Canada and France have played 15 times at Men’s Worlds, with Canada holding a clear advantage: 13 wins and a plus-70 goal differential.
Evident by their game against Finland, the French can certainly put up a fight against top teams. France’s most recent win over Canada came in 2014, a 3-2 shootout victory. In 2017, the Canadians came from behind for a 3-2 prelim win. Ryan O’Reilly scored in the first period and Claude Giroux tied the game in the last minute of the second before Marc-Édouard Vlasic won it for Canada early in the third.
All-time record: Canada leads 13-2 Canada goals: 92 France goals: 22
Men’s Worlds Preview: Canada vs. Latvia
Sunday, May 11 | 10:20 a.m. ET | Stockholm, Sweden | Preliminary Round
Fresh off a tournament-opening win, Canada’s National Men’s Team is back on the ice Sunday to face Latvia as the preliminary round continues at the 2025 IIHF World Championship.
Last Game
Canada opened its tournament Saturday with a 4-0 blanking of Slovenia. Special teams were key—Bo Horvat scored twice on the power play and Noah Dobson added a goal with the man advantage. Nathan MacKinnon recorded a goal and two assists. Dylan Garand made 11 saves for the shutout and Canada put 40 shots on Slovenia’s Lukas Horak.
Latvia opened its tournament Saturday with a 4-1 win over France. The French got on the board first, but Martins Dzierkals evened the score with a shorthanded goal and Kristaps Roberts Zile gave Latvia a 2-1 lead early in the third period. Dans Locmelis had two empty-net goals and Kristers Gudlevskis made 18 saves.
Last Meeting
Canada last played the Latvians in the semifinals at the 2023 Men’s Worlds, advancing to the gold medal game with a 4-2 win. The Latvians took a 2-1 lead to the third period, but Jack Quinn found the back of the net just 45 seconds into the final frame, Adam Fantilli scored the winner with 11:04 left and Scott Laughton finished things into an empty net. Sam Montembeault made 20 saves for the Canadians, who went on to win their 28th gold medal. Latvia, meanwhile, won a historic bronze medal against the United States.
What to Watch
The New York Islanders had a big impact on Canada’s first game, especially on the power play. Horvat and Dobson helped Canada go 3-for-7 with the man advantage. In his 11th season, Horvat recorded 28 goals and 57 points with the Islanders, including 10 points on special teams (3-7—10). On the blue line, Dobson registered 10 goals and 39 points in 71 games, 13 of those on the power play (1-12—13). Also, how about Macklin Celebrini? He had two perfect no-look passes against Slovenia, one to set up Dobson for his goal and the other to provide Kent Johnson with a fantastic scoring chance.
Latvia enters the tournament with a mix of youth and experience. This is the 13th Men’s Worlds for Kaspars Daugavins, who has served as captain in six of the last nine years and led the Latvians with four goals and seven points a year ago. Dans Locmelis is the youngest skater; the 21-year-old Boston Bruins prospect had eight goals and 33 points with the University of Massachusetts this year before joining the AHL’s Providence Bruins late in the season, adding three goals and 12 points in six regular-season games and one assist in the playoffs.
A Look Back
Canada and Latvia have met 15 times at the IIHF World Championship, with Canada winning 13 and tying one.
Historically, Canada has dominated the matchup, outscoring the Latvians 81-18. The last time they faced off in Sweden was all the way back in 2002, when the Canadians earned a 4-1 victory. Brad Schlegel opened the scoring in the first period, Andy McDonald doubled the lead in the middle frame and Richard Matvichuk and Eric Brewer rounded out the scoring.
All-time record: Canada leads 13-1-1 Canada goals: 81 Latvia goals: 18
Men’s Worlds Preview: Canada vs. Slovenia
Saturday, May 10 | 6:20 a.m. ET | Stockholm, Sweden | Preliminary Round
Here we go. Canada’s National Men’s Team hits the ice Saturday to face Slovenia as it opens its quest for a record-extending 29th gold medal at the IIHF World Championship at Avicii Arena.
Last Game
Canada wrapped up its pre-tournament schedule Tuesday with a 6-0 shut out of Hungary in Budapest. Zach Boychuk and Porter Martone scored 1:18 apart to give the Canadians a 2-0 lead after the first period. Noah Dobson and Travis Konecny doubled the lead in the middle frame before Travis Sanheim and Macklin Celebrini rounded out the scoring in the third. Celebrini recorded a four-point performance, while Dylan Garand and Carter George combined for 14 saves for the shutout.
The Slovenians finished their exhibition slate with a 3-2 win over Kazakhstan on Tuesday in Uppsala, Sweden. Matik Török and Rok Kapel scored in the third period to help Slovenia come all the way back from a two-goal deficit. Filip Sitar had the other goal, getting the comeback started late in the second period.
Last Meeting
Canada last played Slovenia in the preliminary round of the 2023 Men’s Worlds, with the Canadians earning a 5-2 win. MacKenzie Weegar led Canada with a goal and two assists, while Jack McBain and Michael Carcone contributed a goal and a helper each. Devon Levi made 22 saves in net.
What to Watch
This Canadian team has a little bit of everything for fans. Captain Sidney Crosby is making his return to the tournament for the first time since 2015, joined by a fellow Nova Scotian, Nathan MacKinnon, and Ryan O’Reilly as alternate captains. There’s next generation up-and-comers, like Macklin Celebrini who recorded 25 goals and 63 points in his rookie NHL season with the San Jose Sharks. Between the pipes, Jordan Binnington is putting on the Maple Leaf again after a strong performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off three months ago. Finally, Marc-André Fleury will reunite with Crosby and make his IIHF World Championship debut after 21 NHL seasons.
A majority of the Slovenian players compete in the top pro league in their country (including 10 who helped HK Olimpija win the championship this season), but there are four young players who spent the 2024-25 campaign across the pond in North America. Nace Langus (Augustana University) and Sitar (University of Conneticut) compete in the NCAA. Jan Golicic—a fourth round pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2024—is a shutdown defenceman who had four goals and 31 points with the QMJHL’s Gatineau Olympiques, and fellow blue-liner Urban Podrekar put up 10 goals and 27 points with the OHL’s Flint Firebirds.
A Look Back
This will be the sixth meeting between Canada and Slovenia at Men’s Worlds, and the Canadians are undefeated through the first five.
The closest game was in 2013 (also in Stockholm)—the Slovenians held a 3-2 lead heading into the third period before Brenden Dillon tied the game with 13 minutes left and Steven Stamkos won it 3:36 into overtime for Canada.
All-time record: Canada leads 5-0 (1-0 in OT/SO) Canada goals: 29 Slovenia goals: 8
Sidney Crosby to captain Canada’s National Men’s Team at 2025 IIHF World Championship
Nathan MacKinnon and Ryan O’Reilly to serve as alternate captains
STOCKHOLM, Sweden – Hockey Canada has announced that two-time Olympic gold medallist and three-time Stanley Cup champion Sidney Crosby (Cole Harbour, NS/Pittsburgh, NHL) will wear the ‘C’ for Canada’s National Men’s Team at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, set for May 9-25 in Stockholm, Sweden and Herning, Denmark.
IIHF World Championship gold medallists and Stanley Cup champions Nathan MacKinnon (Cole Harbour, NS/Colorado, NHL) and Ryan O’Reilly (Varna, ON/Nashville, NHL) will serve alongside Crosby as alternate captains.
“It is an honour to be named captain for the 2025 IIHF World Championship on a team that has so many great leaders and players, and I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Canada at Men’s Worlds for the first time since 2015,” Crosby said. “Nathan and Ryan are amazing leaders on and off the ice, and I look forward to serving on the leadership group with them. Our entire team is excited to play for Team Canada and wear the Maple Leaf with pride as we attempt to accomplish our goal of winning a gold medal.”
Canada will open the 2025 IIHF World Championship against Slovenia on May 10 at 6:20 a.m. ET/3:20 a.m. PT. It will also take on Latvia, France, Austria, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden in the preliminary round before the tournament concludes with the medal games on May 25.
TSN and RDS, Hockey Canada’s official broadcast partners, will broadcast 64 and 24 games, respectively; please check local listings for details.
For more information on the 2025 IIHF World Championship, please visit the official tournament website at IIHF.com.
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
First 15 players named to National Men’s Team for 2025 IIHF World Championship
Eight previous Men’s Worlds participants among group headed to Stockholm and Herning
CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced the first 15 players who will wear the Maple Leaf with Canada’s National Men’s Team at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, May 9-25 in Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark.
The initial roster, which includes one goaltender, five defencemen and nine forwards, was selected by general manager Kyle Dubas (Sault Ste. Marie, ON/Pittsburgh, NHL), player relations advisor Ryan Getzlaf (Regina, SK) and Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations. A selection committee of four NHL executives – Dennis Bonvie (Antigonish, NS/Boston, NHL), Gregory Campbell (Tillsonburg, ON/Florida, NHL), Andrew Cogliano (Woodbridge, ON/Colorado, NHL) and Jason Spezza (Mississauga, ON/Pittsburgh, NHL) – also assisted with player selections.
Among the 15 players are eight who have previously suited up for Canada at the IIHF World Championship (Fantilli, Horvat, Johnson, Konecny, Montour, O’Reilly, Sanheim, Weegar) and two who won the championship at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off (Konecny, Sanheim). The initial roster also includes 11 players who have represented Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship (Celebrini, Cuylle, Dobson, Fantilli, Foerster, Garand, Hayton, Horvat, Johnson, Konecny, Sanheim).
“We are excited to unveil the first 15 players who will wear the Maple Leaf at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, as this a very competitive and talented group that provides a strong foundation of NHL and international experience and success,” Dubas said. “We know these 15 players will give our team a chance to compete for a gold medal as they represent Canada with pride in Stockholm and Herning, and we look forward to continuing to build our roster ahead of the world championship following the conclusion of round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.”
Roster additions will be announced in the coming weeks pending the results of the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs.
In addition, seven players will join Canada’s National Men’s Team for its pre-tournament camp in Vienna and Budapest – Nicolas Beaudin (Châteauguay, QC/HC Kometa Brno, Czech Extraliga), Zach Boychuk (Airdrie, AB/Eisbären Berlin, DEL), Harrison Brunicke (Calgary, AB/Kamloops, WHL), Porter Martone (Peterborough, ON/Brampton, OHL), Zayne Parekh (Nobleton, ON/Saginaw, OHL), Brendan Perlini (Sault Ste. Marie, ON/Lausanne HC, NL) and Ty Ronning (Burnaby, BC/Eisbären Berlin, DEL).
Canada will open the 2025 IIHF World Championship against Slovenia on May 10 at 6:20 a.m. ET/3:20 a.m. PT. It will also take on Latvia, France, Austria, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden in the preliminary round before the tournament concludes with the medal games on May 25. Prior to the start of the tournament, Canada’s National Men’s Team will play pre-tournament games against in Vienna against Austria on May 4 and in Budapest against Hungary on May 6.
TSN and RDS, Hockey Canada’s official broadcast partners, will broadcast 64 and 24 games, respectively; please check local listings for details.
Since 1931, Canada has collected 28 gold medals at the world championship, to go along with 16 silver and seven bronze.
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
National Men’s Team staff named for 2025 IIHF World Championship
Dean Evason named head coach; Andrew Brunette, Ryan Huska, Steve McCarthy to serve as assistants
CALGARY, Alberta – With less than two weeks until the puck drops at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, Hockey Canada has named the coaching and support staffs that will lead Canada’s National Men’s Team in Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark, May 9-25.
After serving as an assistant coach at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, Dean Evason (Flin Flon, MB/Columbus, NHL) returns for the second-straight year to take the reins as head coach. He will be joined by assistant coaches Andrew Brunette (Sudbury, ON/Nashville, NHL), Ryan Huska (Cranbrook, BC/Calgary, NHL) and Steve McCarthy (Trail, BC/Columbus, NHL), and director of performance analysis James Emery (Calgary, AB).
The staff was selected by general manager Kyle Dubas (Sault Ste. Marie, ON/Pittsburgh, NHL), player relations advisor Ryan Getzlaf (Regina, SK) and Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), Hockey Canada’s senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations, with input from Doug Armstrong (Sarnia, ON/St. Louis, NHL), executive director of Canada’s National Men’s Team.
“Dean, Andrew, Ryan and Steve are excellent NHL coaches that bring many years of professional experience and leadership, and we are thrilled that they will lead Team Canada at the 2025 world championship,” Dubas said. “Our coaching staff will also be supported by an elite support staff that has many years of NHL experience, as well as experience at several world championships and Olympics, and we know our entire staff will create an environment for our players to succeed and wear the Maple Leaf with pride in Stockholm and Herning.”
Evason recently finished his first season as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets following six seasons as an assistant coach (2018-20) and head coach (2020-24) of the Minnesota Wild. He was also an assistant with the Washington Capitals (2005-12) and spent six seasons (2012-18) as head coach of the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL). Prior to his professional coaching career, Evason was the head coach of the Kamloops Blazers (1999-2002), Vancouver Giants (2002-04) and Calgary Hitmen (2004-05) of the Western Hockey League (WHL), and was an assistant with the Hitmen for one season (1998-99). As a player, he played in 803 NHL games with the Capitals, Hartford Whalers, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames. Internationally, he wore the Maple Leaf at the 1984 IIHF World Junior Championship, suited up in 56 games with Canada’s National Men’s Team during the 1996-97 season and captained Canada to a gold medal at the 1997 IIHF World Championship.
Brunette has served as head coach of the Nashville Predators for the past two seasons (2023-25) and is slated to make his international coaching debut at Men’s Worlds. He was also an associate coach with the New Jersey Devils for one season (2022-23) and was an assistant with the Florida Panthers for parts of three seasons (2019-21) before being named interim head coach during the 2021-22 season. Brunette also spent time with the Minnesota Wild, serving as director of player personnel (2018-19), assistant general manager (2017-18), special assistant to the GM (2016-17, 2012-14) and assistant coach (2014-16). As a player, he played in 1,109 NHL games over 16 seasons with the Washington Capitals, Predators, Atlanta Thrashers, Wild, Colorado Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks.
Huska recently completed his second season (2023-25) as head coach of the Calgary Flames after serving as an assistant for five seasons (2018-23). Prior to joining the Flames, he was the head coach of the AHL’s Adirondack Flames/Stockton Heat for four seasons (2014-18) and spent 12 seasons as an assistant coach (2002-07) and head coach (2007-14) of the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets. Internationally, he served as an assistant with Canada’s National Junior Team at the 2011 and 2012 IIHF World Junior Championships, winning silver and bronze, respectively.
McCarthy is set to make his international coaching debut. He has served as an assistant coach with the Columbus Blue Jackets for four seasons (2021-25) after five years (2016-21) as an assistant with the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters. As a player, McCarthy played 302 NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and Atlanta Thrashers. He also won bronze medals with Canada’s National Junior Team at the 2000 and 2001 IIHF World Junior Championships, serving as captain in 2001, and won gold with Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team at the 1998 Four Nations Cup.
The support staff that will work with Canada’s National Men’s Team at the 2025 IIHF World Championship includes:
- Sport physiotherapist Kent Kobelka (Revelstoke, BC/Calgary, NHL)
- Athletic therapist Kevin Elliott (Charlottetown, PE/Pittsburgh, NHL)
- Massage therapist Andy Hüppi (Schmerikon, SUI)
- Team physician Dr. Ian Auld (Victoria, BC/Calgary, NHL)
- Equipment managers Paul Boyer (Sault Ste. Marie, ON/Detroit, NHL) and Blair Smook (Airdrie, AB)
- Strength and conditioning coach Sean Young (Ennismore, ON/Ottawa, OHL)
- Managers of hockey operations Mitchell Furlotte (Bathurst, NB) and Kurt Keats (Winnipeg, MB)
- Coordinator of hockey operations Miah Armitage (Creston, BC)
- Media relations director Sean Kelso (Vancouver, BC/Calgary, NHL)
- Media relations manager Spencer Sharkey (Hamilton, ON)
Canada will open Men’s Worlds against Slovenia on May 10 at 6:20 a.m. ET/3:20 a.m. PT. It will also take on Latvia, France, Austria, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden in the preliminary round before the tournament concludes with the medal games on May 25. Prior to the start of the tournament, Canada’s National Men’s Team will play pre-tournament games in Vienna against Austria on May 4 and in Budapest against Hungary on May 6.
TSN and RDS, Hockey Canada’s official broadcast partners, will broadcast 64 and 24 games, respectively; please check local listings for details.
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
Kyle Dubas named general manager for 2025 IIHF World Championship
Dubas returns to National Men’s Team after serving as associate GM at 2024 worlds
CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced that Kyle Dubas (Sault Ste. Marie, ON/Pittsburgh, NHL) will serve as general manager of Canada’s National Men’s Team at the 2025 IIHF World Championship, May 9-25 in Stockholm, Sweden and Herning, Denmark.
Dubas, who recently helped Team Canada win the championship at the 4 Nations Face-Off, returns to Men’s Worlds for the second-consecutive year after serving as associate general manager in 2024. He will be supported by player relations advisor Ryan Getzlaf (Regina, SK) and Scott Salmond (Creston, BC), senior vice-president of high performance and hockey operations.
In addition, a selection committee of four NHL executives – Dennis Bonvie (Antigonish, NS/Boston, NHL), Gregory Campbell (Tillsonburg, ON/Florida, NHL), Andrew Cogliano (Woodbridge, ON/Colorado, NHL) and Jason Spezza (Mississauga, ON/Pittsburgh, NHL) - will assist with evaluating and selecting players for the 2025 IIHF World Championship.
Dubas and the selection committee were selected by Doug Armstrong (Sarnia, ON/St. Louis, NHL), who serves as the executive director of Canada’s National Men’s Team, with input from Salmond and Katherine Henderson (Thunder Bay, ON), president and chief executive officer of Hockey Canada, who make up an executive committee preparing for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
“Kyle is an excellent general manager, and his recent experience at the 4 Nations Face-Off and last year’s Men’s Worlds will be beneficial in building and leading Canada’s National Men’s Team as it looks to reclaim gold at the IIHF World Championship,” Armstrong said. “Kyle has great relationships with players and staff throughout the NHL, and as a member of management group for the 2026 Olympics, we are confident he is the best person to lead Team Canada in Stockholm and Herning this May while leaning on the expertise of Dennis, Gregory, Andrew and Jason.”
Dubas is in his second season as general manager and president of hockey operations with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Previously, he spent nine seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, serving five seasons (2018-23) as general manager, becoming the second-youngest GM in NHL history. He also spent four seasons (2014-18) as assistant general manager and GM of the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL), leading the team to its first Calder Cup championship in 2018. Dubas started his front-office career with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), serving four seasons (2003-07) as a scout and three seasons (2011-14) as general manager. Internationally, he won the 4 Nations Face-Off as director of player personnel, and will serve in the same role with Canada’s Men’s Olympic Team at the 2026 Olympics.
The coaching and support staff, as well as the roster, for the 2025 IIHF World Championship will be announced in the coming weeks.
Canada will open the tournament against Slovenia on May 10 at 6:20 a.m. ET/3:20 a.m. PT. It will also take on Latvia, France, Austria, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden in the preliminary round before the tournament concludes with the medal games on May 25. Prior to the start of the tournament, Canada’s National Men’s Team will play pre-tournament games against in Vienna against Austria on May 4 and in Budapest against Hungary on May 6.
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
Canada finishes fourth at 2024 IIHF World Championship
National Men’s Team concludes Men’s Worlds with 4-2 loss to Sweden in bronze medal game
PRAGUE, Czechia – Canada’s National Men’s Team has finished fourth at the 2024 IIHF World Championship after falling 4-2 to Sweden in the bronze medal game at O2 Arena on Sunday.
“Playing for Canada is so special, and regardless of the circumstances, any time you get the call to represent your country and compete for a gold medal is an amazing opportunity,” said captain John Tavares (Oakville, ON/Toronto, NHL). “To wear the [captain’s] ‘C’ and play with this group of guys is something I will be forever grateful for, but obviously it is a disappointing result for us.”
After falling behind 1-0 in the first period on a Carl Grundström goal, Jamie Oleksiak (Toronto, ON/Seattle, NHL) found Dylan Cozens (Whitehorse, YT/Buffalo, NHL), who buried his tournament-leading ninth goal from the slot to even the score.
Canada broke the deadlock just over four minutes into the third period when Pierre-Luc Dubois (Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, QC/Los Angeles, NHL) fired home a one-timer off a Brandon Hagel (Morinville, AB/Tampa Bay, NHL) cross-ice pass. Tavares also registered an assist on the play, moving him into a tie for the tournament lead in assists with nine.
Erik Karlsson and Grundström would give Sweden a 3-2 lead after scoring twice in 4:07 in the third period before Marcus Johansson scored into an empty net.
“The really tough loss was last night because we wanted to be playing for a gold medal today, but we also wanted to win our last game and bring home a bronze medal. Today stings but the semifinal stings a lot too,” Dubois said. “Every time you come [to the world championship], you meet unbelievable people. Some are new and some are players that you have met before, and I had an unbelievable time with this group. After a month together, it is tough to be so close to playing in the gold medal game but losing in a shootout.”
Jordan Binnington (Richmond Hill, ON/St. Louis, NHL) made 29 saves in the loss. A full game summary can be found at HockeyCanada.ca.
“It was a little tough to get our game going today, but I thought we were rock solid in the second period. We could have handled our lead a little better and I feel like we backed off [Sweden] too much, and unfortunately we were not as good as we needed to be,” said head coach André Tourigny (Nicolet, QC/Utah, NHL). “Our players worked hard all tournament, and they were very committed to winning and fought for each other. I have so much respect for all the guys in our room for the sacrifice they made to play in this tournament, and I am really proud of our team.”
Following the semifinals, Cozens, Brandon Tanev (Toronto, ON/Seattle, NHL) and Colton Parayko (St. Albert, AB/St. Louis, NHL) were named Team Canada’s three best players of the tournament.
Canada finished the preliminary round in first place in Group A after wins over Great Britain, Denmark, Austria, Norway, Finland, Switzerland and Czechia. It booked a spot in the semifinals after a 6-3 win over Slovakia before falling to Switzerland 3-2 in a shootout.
Since 1931, Canada has collected 28 gold medals at the IIHF World Championship, to go along with 16 silver and seven bronze.
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.
John Tavares to captain National Men’s Team at 2024 IIHF World Championship
Andrew Mangiapane, Colton Parayko, Damon Severson to serve as alternate captains
PRAGUE, Czechia – Hockey Canada has announced that John Tavares (Oakville, ON/Toronto, NHL) will wear the ‘C’ for Canada’s National Men’s Team at the 2024 IIHF World Championship in Prague and Ostrava, Czechia.
Andrew Mangiapane (Bolton, ON/Calgary, NHL), Colton Parayko (St. Albert, AB/St. Louis, NHL) and Damon Severson (Melville, SK/Columbus, NHL) will serve alongside Tavares as alternate captains.
“It is a true honour to be named captain of Team Canada for the world championship on a team with so many great leaders, and I am excited to help this team defend its gold medal in Czechia,” Tavares said. “Andrew, Colton and Damon are great players that are deserving of this honour, and I look forward to serving on the leadership group with them and wearing the Maple Leaf with pride.”
Canada will open the tournament against Great Britain on May 11 at 6:20 a.m. ET/3:20 a.m. PT. It will also take on Denmark, Austria, Norway, Finland, Switzerland and Czechia in the preliminary round before the tournament concludes with the medal games on May 26.
TSN and RDS, Hockey Canada’s official broadcast partners, will broadcast 64 and 23 games, respectively; please check local listings for details.
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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