February 22, 2026, Milan, Lombardy, Italy: Macklin Celebrini 17 of Team Canada and Dylan Larkin 21 of Team United States in the men s Ice hockey, Eishockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter games, Winterspiele,Spiele, Summer games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Milan Italy - ZUMAm117 20260222_oly_m117_223 Copyright: xDavidxMcIntyrex
February 22, 2026, Milan, Lombardy, Italy: Macklin Celebrini 17 of Team Canada and Dylan Larkin 21 of Team United States in the men s Ice hockey, Eishockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter games, Winterspiele,Spiele, Summer games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Milan Italy - ZUMAm117 20260222_oly_m117_223 Copyright: xDavidxMcIntyrex
Hockey Canada is prioritizing experience for the 2026 IIHF World Championship. After several disappointments in recent tournaments, the organization is leaning on NHL veterans to secure gold in Switzerland.
Consequently, they have selected forward John Tavares from the Toronto Maple Leafs, defenseman Morgan Rielly from the Maple Leafs, goaltender Cam Talbot from the Detroit Red Wings, and center Mark Scheifele from the Winnipeg Jets.
They have also picked center Ryan O'Reilly from the Nashville Predators, defenseman Dylan DeMelo from the Jets, right winger Connor Brown from the New Jersey Devils, and defenseman Darnell Nurse from the Edmonton Oilers.
February 22, 2026, Milan, Lombardy, Italy: Macklin Celebrini of Team Canada against Team United States in the men's ice hockey at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Milan, Italy - ZUMA (Image via David McIntyre)
February 22, 2026, Milan, Lombardy, Italy: Macklin Celebrini of Team Canada against Team United States in the men's ice hockey at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Milan, Italy - ZUMA (Image via David McIntyre)
With all of them being 30 or older, Hockey Canada's win-now approach is clearly evident.
However, the team isn't devoid of youth. The squad will also feature young players, including Denton Mateychuk from the Columbus Blue Jackets, Sam Dickinson from the Sharks, Fraser Minten from the Boston Bruins, and Emmitt Finnie from the Detroit Red Wings.
2025 saw Hockey Canada lose to Denmark in the World Championship quarterfinals, even with stars like Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, Macklin Celebrini, Brandon Montour, Travis Konecny, and Ryan O'Reilly on the roster.
This was followed by a bitter defeat to Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Now, they have added a few more experienced players to push harder for the gold.
Facing a barren stretch of years, Hockey Canada’s trophy struggles extend even to the youth level.
Hockey Canada's Gold Struggles Extend to Youth Levels
While Team USA continues to enjoy success and a younger crop of players, Hockey Canada seems to be on an opposite trajectory.
The national team’s performances in recent years have been anything but impressive. The youth squad, notably, finished third at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the World Juniors. Another disappointment followed with a quarterfinals exit at the World Men’s U-18s.
As for trophies, Canada clinched silver at the World Women’s U-18s, the men’s and women’s Olympic hockey events, and the Paralympics. The youth team's only major win came at the U-17 World Challenge, with Canada Red defeating Canada White.
With underwhelming results across numerous levels, Canada’s quest for a gold medal seems reasonable. Blending experience and youth, the men's team will aim to win now.
The upcoming tournament in Switzerland will determine if this veteran-heavy gamble pays off.
Written by
Kapil Manghnani
Edited by
Sijo Paul