Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes wore the captain's 'C' in Canada's first game of the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase.
Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes has worn the ‘C’ for Team Canada for his second-ever international tournament.
The forward, who was drafted 15th-overall by the Canucks in 2025, was named Team Canada’s captain for the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase ahead of their first game on July 29, with fellow prospects Carson Carels (Calgary Flames) and Brady Martin (Nashville Predators) wearing ‘A’s for their team.
Cootes also previously acted as captain of Canada’s U-18 squad at the 2024–25 U-18 World Junior Championship, leading his team to a Gold medal with six goals and six assists in seven games played. He also served as captain of the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds in 2024–25 and 2025–26 before being traded to the Prince Albert Raiders in January of 2026.
In their first game of the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase, Canada lost to Sweden by a score of 5–3 in regulation. During the extra practice overtime period, Cootes found the back of the net, but was unable to beat Sweden’s goaltender in the shootout. The 2025 first-round pick skated as Canada's top-line center, with fellow Vancouver prospect Caleb Malhotra centering the team's second-line.
Cootes is not the only Canucks prospect having an intriguing tournament, as 2026 33rd-overall pick Brooks Rogowski has also made an impression as a member of Team USA. The forward has scored twice throughout three games played, with his team winning both games that he scored during.
Canada will play again tonight, taking on Finland at 4:00 pm PT. Their tournament will wrap up on August 1 with a matchup against Team USA at 1:00 pm PT.
Jan 5, 2026; St. Paul, Minnesota, USA; Canada forward Braeden Cootes (8) celebrates his goal against Finland with forward Liam Greentree (24), defensemen Kashawn Aitcheson (2), and defensemen Keaton Verhoeff (20) during the first period in the third place game of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey tournament at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn ImagesMake sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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