{"time":1784915735759,"blocks":[{"id":"-cVgFCDrmm","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The World Junior Summer Showcase is nothing more than a set of exhibition matches in the summer, but it's vitally important for all invited junior players to make a good impression on their country's staff in order to get a leg up on making the team for the big winter tournament."}},{"id":"O8sn0r8DAu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"This year, there will be 11 OHL representatives, current and former, on display for Canada at the showcase, including nine forwards, one blueliner and one goaltender. "}},{"id":"slHGrYQb0_","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Brantford Bulldogs forward and Seattle Kraken top prospect Jake O'Brien was also invited to camp, but will be unable to attend."}},{"id":"FKy-Cf3Kat","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Here's a quick look at every Canadian OHL player invited to camp."}},{"id":"Ikr4063un2","type":"image","data":{"caption":"Memorial Cup-winning captain Cameron Reid is expected to be a key returnee for Canada at the 2027 World Juniors. (Photo: Steve Dunsmoor/CHL)","withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"size":"full","alignment":"center","linkUrl":"","file":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/3e4632e6-182b-42d2-a2b9-40931e2affae.jpeg","width":4000,"height":2667}}},{"id":"S0ukdLPhN8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Cameron Reid"}},{"id":"JjorP_nqpW","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Reid is one of three potential OHL returnees for the tournament, and is coming off of a dream season captaining the Kitchener Rangers."}},{"id":"2M5c1PmyfN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Scoring at a near-point-per-game pace from the blue line, Reid led the Rangers to an OHL title and Memorial Cup championship."}},{"id":"A6BhHuuyxx","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Next year, the Nashville Predators draft pick be heading to the University of Michigan to play collegiately in the NCAA."}},{"id":"Q--awb2pHR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Brady Martin"}},{"id":"JHqiw3lr_d","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The second of the returnees, Martin had a tremendous 2026 tournament until suffering a shoulder injury that held him out of the key medal games, which ended up being a huge loss for Canada."}},{"id":"SslBIGdLRs","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Soo Greyhounds captain got three NHL games at the start of last season, and also suited up in three AHL playoff games with the Milwaukee Admirals following Soo's OHL elimination."}},{"id":"PprHbCBWa3","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Next year, it's likely Martin turns pro thanks to the new NHL/CHL agreement that will allow one 19-year-old per NHL team to play in the AHL."}},{"id":"hdqNQsM6Yp","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Jack Ivankovic"}},{"id":"BTNT2SM9Ht","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The third and final returnee of this bunch, Ivankovic will be the favourite to serve as the starter at this year's WJC after featuring in both the 2025 and 2026 editions."}},{"id":"pR5RckTBpB","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Just like Martin and Reid, Ivankovic is also a Preds prospect. He left the OHL's Brampton Steelheads to attend the University of Michigan for the 2025-26 campaign."}},{"id":"l62YyBlcsD","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Caleb Malhotra"}},{"id":"kTZ8_-lpz_","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The third overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft to the Vancouver Canucks is expected to play a big role at this upcoming tournament, likely in a top-six centre role."}},{"id":"UtSfgZgT60","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"After a massive year with the Brantford Bulldogs where he went from BCHL signing to one of the top players in the OHL, Malhotra will join Boston University for the 2026-27 season."}},{"id":"KIMJJHW5cF","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dima Zhilkin"}},{"id":"GFSWCW8VPT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The youngest and only draft-eligible OHLer to be selected to this camp roster, Zhilkin as a late-2008 birthday is already a Hockey Canada favourite thanks to his endless motor and high-end skill."}},{"id":"lba_giu2HU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"He was dominant for the Saginaw Spirit and Canada at this year's U18 Worlds, and a big performance at this camp could put him on the radar to make the big team this winter."}},{"id":"Zq0r7g2HwN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Ethan Belchetz"}},{"id":"F1mk2M8CTw","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Another first-round pick, Belchetz had his draft year cut short due to a collarbone injury which forced him out of the playoffs and the U18 worlds, but his showing was still good enough for the Utah Mammoth to select him 17th overall last month."}},{"id":"WsIDDBLA6g","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The 6-foot-5 power winger should play a big role on the team this winter, bringing size and skill to Canada's forward group. "}},{"id":"ckPsE2Y02A","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"After two seasons with the Windsor Spitfires, Belchetz is heading to Michigan State University this fall."}},{"id":"mJY3q_kR7t","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Jack Nesbitt"}},{"id":"XR1D6Wq_WP","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Another Windsor Spitfire, the 6-foot-4 Nesbitt will look to showcase his defensive acumen and responsibility to Canada's brass in order to win a spot as a penalty killer for this team."}},{"id":"iFOQNLEaub","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Philadelphia Flyers' 12th overall pick in 2025 is heading across the border this fall as well, joining the University of Michigan."}},{"id":"ScyQOCELon","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Ryan Roobroeck"}},{"id":"yIokYfAr3h","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"A veteran of Hockey Canada programs, Roobroeck's draft year for Niagara didn't go quite as planned, as he went from a potential top-10 pick down to 35th overall to the Chicago Blackhawks."}},{"id":"0Bhg6T5sqS","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"A trade to the 2027 Memorial Cup host Guelph Storm should help him get back on track, and a good showing for the 6-foot-4 forward could see him have an outside shot of making this winter's team."}},{"id":"d0lXxWNx7A","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Ethan Czata"}},{"id":"Hf5eyImYZ4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"A 2025 second-round pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning, Czata has also been dealt from the IceDogs to the Storm ahead of their Mem Cup hosting season."}},{"id":"DsdPVPSbDW","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"A responsible, quick two-way forward, Czata's path to the team revolves around his value defensively and as a penalty killer, provided he can give you enough offence to make it worth it."}},{"id":"WCUjrzs8qw","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Tyler Hopkins"}},{"id":"C1imm3rKR7","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The third member of the Guelph trio to be named to this camp, Hopkins is a responsible, two-way playmaking centre option that puts some leadership on the table as well."}},{"id":"2_umpdZk-l","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick will likely need a really eye-catching showcase to sneak his way onto the bottom of this roster."}},{"id":"EX5EcKRQNf","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Jimmy Lombardi"}},{"id":"mDKN-U1r40","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Another responsible forward type, Lombardi provides a good dose of skill and two-way play as an option at the bottom of a WJC roster."}},{"id":"lU0-w_axw-","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Flint Firebirds forward and LA Kings prospect, like Hopkins and Czata, will be fighting for a similar spot as a hard-working penalty killer in the bottom six."}},{"id":"vvnOSPDqop","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Never want to miss out on any OHL news? Make sure to bookmark THN's OHL site."}},{"id":"X0t9KWQ52F","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Also follow @roryyarthur and @AustinReporting on X/Twitter for more updates."}},{"id":"KG_wpkRx8e","type":"header","data":{"text":"Read more ","level":1,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"Pjg86orsUe","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Saginaw Spirit Confirm Departure Of Head Coach Chris Lazary To NCAA"}},{"id":"MTjbhXOQpu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"10 OHLers Named To Canada's Hlinka-Gretzky Cup Training Camp"}},{"id":"a0vPzHbCcV","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Sarnia Sting Blueliner Jacob Reese Commits To NCAA UConn For 2026-27"}},{"id":"YSf0MVb3ge","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Spitfires Sign Free Agent Defenseman Jack O'Dell "}},{"id":"QpYsKPYOpP","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Greyhounds Head Coach Drew Bannister Named To Team Canada's Bench For Hlinka-Gretzky Cup"}}],"version":"2.31.6"}

Three OHLers Named to USA's World Junior Preliminary Roster

Six OHLers Named to Slovakia's Preliminary World Juniors Roster