Canada isn’t just showing up in Brno and Trenčín to play hockey—they’re here to keep the gold streak alive. With three straight Hlinka Gretzky Cup titles and 25 gold medals in 32 tournaments, this year’s squad blends high-end skill, size, and leadership. They’re not just defending a legacy—they’re building on it.
Leadership
Captain – Keaton Verhoeff
Keaton Verhoeff, Canada’s captain for the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, is a 6’4” defenseman from Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. He’s known for his size, skill, and poise. With the WHL’s Victoria Royals, he scored 21 goals and 45 points in 63 games, plus 10 points in 11 playoff contests—outstanding numbers for a blueliner.
Internationally, Verhoeff posted five points in five games at both the World U17 Hockey Challenge and the U18 Worlds. He developed with RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna before his WHL rise, excelling at the U15 and U18 Prep levels. Committed to the University of North Dakota, he can run a power play, shut down top lines, and swing momentum in one shift.
Alternate Captains
Alessandro Di Iorio, Landon DuPont, Daxon Rudolph, Adam Valentini
Alessandro Di Iorio is a 6’1” center from Vaughan, Ontario, bringing a steady two-way game and leadership presence. He tallied 38 points in 58 games with the OHL’s Sarnia Sting. He owns gold from the 2024 U18 Worlds and silver from the 2023 World U17 Hockey Challenge. Whether winning a defensive-zone draw or starting a rush, Di Iorio thrives in high-pressure moments.
Daxon Rudolph, a 6’2”, 205-pound defenseman from Lacombe, Alberta, posted 41 points in 64 games for the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders and added 12 points in 11 playoff games. A two-time gold medalist with Canada, Rudolph is a poised, all-situations defender who can change a game with one breakout pass.
Landon DuPont, only 16, is one of the most dynamic young defensemen in hockey. The Calgary native produced 60 points in 64 games as a WHL rookie with Everett, earning Rookie of the Year and CHL All-Rookie honors. He added 15 points in 10 playoff games and is a constant threat with his skating, vision, and passing.
Adam Valentini, a 5’11” forward from Toronto, Ontario, won gold at the 2023 World U17 Hockey Challenge and posted 39 points in 58 games with the USHL’s Chicago Steel. Set to join the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers next season, he creates offense under pressure and works just as hard defensively.
Player to Watch
Tynan Lawrence, a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, is quickly building first-round momentum. The Fredericton, NB native erupted for 54 points (25G, 29A) in 56 regular-season games with Muskegon (USHL) last year. He elevated his game in the playoffs with 18 points in 14 contests. At 6’0” and 185 pounds, the left-shot center combines speed, creativity, and a lethal finishing touch. All these tools make him dangerous on open ice and tough to contain when driving the net. He’s also proven himself internationally, producing six points at the 2023 U17 World Hockey Challenge.
Coaching Staff
Canada enters the tournament with a stellar coaching staff. Head coach Mathieu Turcotte knows how to maximize high-end talent. GM Alan Millar and Director of Hockey Operations Benoit Roy have assembled a roster that blends speed, skill, and physicality. Assistants Travis Crickard, Rick Steadman, and Video Coach Jonathan Deschênes round out a deep bench ready to adapt on the fly.
Full Roster Overview
Forwards (14): Tynan Lawrence (USHL/Muskegon), Liam Ruck (WHL/Medicine Hat), Mathis Preston (WHL/Spokane), Cooper Williams (WHL/Saskatoon), Ethan Belchetz (OHL/Windsor), Alessandro Di Iorio (OHL/Sarnia), Beckham Edwards (OHL/Sarnia), Adam Valentini (OHL/Kitchener), Pierce Mbuyi (OHL/Owen Sound), Jean-Christoph Lemieux (OHL/Windsor), Dimian Zhilkin (OHL/Saginaw), Markus Ruck (WHL/Medicine Hat), Colin Fitzgerald (OHL/Peterborough), Thomas Rousseau (LHJMQ/Sherbrooke).
Defensemen (8): Cameron Chartrand (LHJMQ/Saint John), Keaton Verhoeff (WHL/Victoria), Ryan Lin (WHL/Vancouver), Carson Carels (WHL/Prince George), Giorgos Pantelas (WHL/Brandon), Callum Croskery (OHL/Soo Greyhounds), Landon DuPont (WHL/Everett), Daxon Rudolph (WHL/Prince Albert).
Goaltenders (3): Jason Schaubel (OHL/Kitchener), Carter Esler (WHL/Spokane), Gavin Betts (OHL/Kingston).
Opening Game
Monday, August 11 vs. Finland — 9:30 a.m. ET / 6:30 a.m. PT on TSN/RDS.
SOURCES:
Hockey Canada. (2025, August 7). Meet the captains.
Hockey Canada. (2025, August 5). National men’s summer under-18 team roster named for 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup: 25 players to wear Maple Leaf to defend gold in Brno and Trenčín.
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