The World Juniors begin tomorrow, and as a Christmas gift, Hockey Canada has named their roster for this year's tournament in Minnesota. Included on the roster are two highly touted Los Angeles Kings prospects.
It's Christmas Day and Hockey Canada's gift to the hockey world is the official release of Team Canada's roster for the 2026 World Junior Championships.
On what could be one of the most star-studded World Junior teams we've ever seen are two highly touted Los Angeles Kings prospects. Goaltender Carter George and forward Liam Greentree were officially named to Team Canada.
This will be George's second crack at the World Juniors while Greentree will be representing Canada for the first time at the U20 level. Both players will play a major part in Team Canada's revenge tour as they try to win gold for the first time since 2023.
Liam Greentree of the Windsor Spitfires (OHL) was drafted by the Kings with the 26th overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft. In 26 games with the Spitfires this season, the 19-year-old has recorded 16 goals and 16 assists for the 32 points. He is currently projected to finish with 40 goals and 40 assists for 80 points by the end of the Ontario Hockey League's regular season.
Although he doesn't have any experience playing the World Junior level, Greentree has suited up for Team Canada in the past. He played for Canada in the 2024 U-18 World Championships. In seven games he was fairly productive, scoring two goals along with two assists for four points. Expect the 6'3" forward to be an x-factor for Team Canada as he will be able to benefit from his large frame to outmuscle opponents for loose pucks, which will ultimately lead to scoring chances for his line. A good showing in camp has earned him a spot on a loaded forward core.
Two Kings Prospects Named To Canada's World Junior Camp Roster
The 2026 World Junior Championship is quickly approaching and Team Canada looks to bounce back from an incredibly disappointing last two years where they failed to reach the semi-finals. Two <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/los-angeles-kings">Los Angeles Kings</a> prospects will be joining Team Canada on their revenge tour.
Carter George is currently the starting netminder for the Owen Sound Attack (OHL). In 22 games played with Owen Sound this season, the Kings 2024 second round selection has a 10-9-2 record while posting a 3.12 GAA and a SV% of .899.
The 19-year-old enters this year's tournament as the expected number one goaltender. His performance in last year's World Junior's has undoubtedly gave him the net to begin the festivities in Minnesota. Despite Canada's disappointing fifth place finish, George was unbelievable. As one of, if not the only bright spot on last winter's team, the Canadian netminder had a 2-2-0 record while posting a 1.76 GAA and .936 SV%. If George plays even 80% as good as he did last year, the net will be his and Team Canada should be in terrific shape as they begin their quest for their 21st gold medal on Boxing Day against Czechia at 5:30 PM PT/8:30 PM ET.
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