World Under-17 Hockey Challenge: Canada White

Canada White has a larger OHL presence than Canada Red, with a total of ten players being invited from Ontario. 

Matthew Schaefer — 1st Overall pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection — leads the way on the blue-line for Canada White.

Canada White plays their first game next Thursday, November 2nd against Czechia, as they play the first game in the tournament.

Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor Spitfires

Jack Nesbitt was the last pick in the first round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, as he joined the Windsor Spitfires. 

The big centreman stands at 6-foot-4, and plays a very projectable game to the junior level. Nesbitt is still learning how to use his size to his advantage, but has been able to add offence to this young Spitfires team. 

Tyler Hopkins, C, Kingston Frontenacs

The OHL fourth overall pick is projected to be one of the better forwards on this roster. Hopkins has been handed a big role immediately with the Frontenacs as a top six centre. 

Hopkins has the lethal combination of explosive skating and deceptive skill, and those should be on full display at this tournament. In Kingston, he doesn't have much high-end skill surrounding him, but his offensive creativity and upside should flourish at this event.

Ethan Czata, LW/C, Niagara IceDogs

The IceDogs are a lower-end team again this season, and this has opened up tremendous opportunity for their young stars. 

Ethan Czata — the Brampton-born forward — was selected by the IceDogs with their second-first round pick, alongside Ryan Roobroeck. Czata possesses pure skill that has translated to the junior level thus far. He hasn't been able to find the back of the net quite yet, but he has generated offence for the IceDogs.

Wesley Royston, RW, Erie Otters

The 6-foot-3 winger plays a strong, dominant game that has earned himself a spot in Erie's bottom six. 

Wesley Royston played his U16 year with the York-Simcoe Express, who were loaded with talent at the time. He will reunite with his ex-teammate Owen Griffin at this tournament, and may get the opportunity to re-spark some chemistry.

Royston is able to create using his size and strength, which is unlike a lot of the other prospects on this team.

Owen Griffin, C, Oshawa Generals

Owen Griffin joins his old U16 line-mate, Wesley Royston, on Canada White. The Markham, Ontario native has immediately been thrown into a large role in the Generals lineup. He is yet to put up any points thus far, but this tournament may spark some confidence.

The speedy, talented finishing forward joins this team where he should be one of the go-to players up-front. Griffin may be the most offensively-dangerous forward from this Ontario group. He can create in a variety of ways and he is especially skilled around the net. 

Rylan Singh, RD, Guelph Storm

The third and final ex-York-Simcoe Express player at this tournament is defenseman Rylan Singh.

Singh hasn't been a constant player in the Storm's lineup thus far, but he is splitting his playing time between the Storm and the GOJHL's (Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League) Ayr Centennials.

The Pickering, Ontario native is incredibly intelligent with the puck on his stick. He is able to generate lots in transition with his first pass and ability to seek out entry lanes. Singh is a sneaky name to keep an eye out for on this roster.

Matthew Schaefer, LD, Erie Otters

The Erie Otters have a heavy presence at this tournament, and Matthew Schaefer highlights this group. The 2023 OHL Priority Selection first overall pick will likely lead the way on defence.

Schaefer is a picture-perfect skater with elite hockey sense. He has had a great start with the Otters this year, even with just 1 goal. He is playing heavy minutes on a team that doesn't have much skill throughout their lineup. Schaefer has the privilege of learning from teammate Spencer Sova, one of the best power-play quarterbacks in the OHL. 

Cameron Reid, LD, Kitchener Rangers

The Aylmer, Ontario-born defender has had a successful stent with the Rangers thus far, putting up 4 points in 12 games. Cameron Reid has found himself a spot on the bottom pair, as he gets to learn from some talented defenders in Kitchener.

The Rangers selected Reid with their first pick in the OHL Priority Selection. Reid isn't the flashiest defenseman, but he certainly gets the job done and he is a smooth skater. He's an efficient all-round defenseman and doesn't really lack in any certain area of his game.

Carson Cameron, RD, Peterborough Petes

Peterborough Petes defenseman Carson Cameron rounds out this OHL-heavy defensive core. Cameron has had a successful start on the scoresheet, as he has 5 points in 10 games with the Petes.

Cameron was Peterborough's first round pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, coming from the U16 Central Ontario Wolves where he wore the captaincy. 

Cameron has the ability to push the pace and create offense from the backend. He will be an asset to Canada White's offense.

Jack Ivankovic, G, Mississauga Steelheads

Elite goaltending prospects are not easy to find in Ontario, but Jack Ivankovic might be the next. 

Ivankovic was drafted 7th overall in the OHL Draft by his hometown Steelheads. There hasn't been an Ontario-born goaltender as highly touted as Ivankovic in quite some time. 2023 NHL Draft prospect Ryerson Leenders has the crease in Mississauga right now, but Ivankovic isn't far behind.

Ivankovic should begin as the starter on this team. Watch out for him to put on a show in-between the pipes.