Canada wins 5-2 against U Sports All-Stars in first world junior selection camp game, highlighted by standout performances from Carson Rehkopf and Beckett Sennecke

Team Canada had its first selection camp game on Thursday, continuing its tradition of taking on the U Sports All-Stars as it irons out its roster for the 2025 World Junior Championship. 

11 OHL players participated in the game. Porter Martone, the projected top-three pick for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, played on a line with Seattle Kraken prospect Berkly Catton and Gavin McKenna, the projected first-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. 

However, it was an all-OHL line that truly stood out in Canada's 5-2 victory. 

Ottawa 67's captain Luca Pinelli, Seattle Kraken prospect and Brampton Steelheads forward Carson Rehkopf, along with Oshawa Generals winger Beckett Sennecke, who received a well-deserved late invitation to the selection camp, all made strong cases for why they should represent their country on Boxing Day.

Carson Rehkopf represented Canada at the 2024 World Juniors, where they finished in a disappointing and rare fifth place. Some analysts viewed him as a potential second-year player who might not secure a spot on the team. 

Scoring a hat trick in the first selection camp is certainly one way that will help solidify his odds of making Team Canada once again. 

Rehkopf was the beneficiary of a lot of good plays where all he had to do was make good on his chances and put the puck in the back of the net, something the former 50-goal scorer in the OHL is very good at.

When the Kraken prospect is given a 1-on-1 look with the goalie, the puck usually ends up in the back of the net, because he's got an extremely deceptive yet quick release on his shot. 

The other aspect that good goal scorers constantly do is to be in the right spot at the right time, which comes from reading the play and positioning themselves in soft spots in coverage to get open. That's exactly what Rehkopf did on two of his goals. 

Those two goals we're talking about were set up by the Anaheim Ducks' third overall pick Beckett Sennecke, who made his presence known to Canada's coaching staff and sent a message to the decision-makers who picked Canada's selection camp roster that he should have been on it all along. 

Sennecke made a good read and stole the puck before setting up Rehkopf's first goal of the game. Later in the game in the third period, he made another good pass after delaying to allow Rehkopf to slide down and finish off the pass backdoor. 

The Oshawa Generals star forward is known for his silky smooth hands and dual-threat offensive skillset. But, he also demonstrated in this game that he's willing to hit everything in sight and can play a physical role for Team Canada. 

Porter Martone also scored a goal, Denver Barkey recorded a helper, Jack Ivankovic made 9 saves on 10 shots in the 30 minutes he played, while Carter George was the only Canada goalie who stopped every shot he faced (12/12). 

Canada will face off against the U Sports All-Stars again Friday afternoon. After the game has finished, the coaching staff and management are expected to meet and announce the final roster later in the day. 

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