Canada releases roster for 2024 Men’s IIHF World Championship

We now know the roster looking to defend the gold medal at one of the biggest tournaments in international hockey.

On Friday, Hockey Canada revealed the 22 players that will be representing their country at the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship.

Of the notable names, the most exciting addition to this year’s roster is Chicago Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard. Last year’s first-overall pick in the NHL Draft is a finalist for the Calder Trophy after an impressive season on a lowly Blackhawks team. While he has played for Canada at the Under-18s and World Juniors, winning three gold medals over the past three years, this will be Bedard’s first taste of playing with the senior men’s national team.

Macklin Celebrini will also be making his debut for the senior team. The youngest Hobey Baker Award winner has built up his stock to the point where he is the consensus no. 1 pick in this year’s draft, especially after an incredible freshman season at Boston University.

The roster features a good amount of veteran experience, with guys like Brandon Tanev, Jordan Binnington and 2021 tournament MVP Andrew Mangiapane. However, along with Bedard and Celebrini, there is a lot of young talent. 14 players were born in the year 2000 or later, including the goaltenders that will be backing up Binnington, Joel Hofer, and Nico Daws.

Only two of the current roster members were on last year’s gold-medal-winning team—Hofer and Adam Fantilli. The Columbus Blue Jackets forward is coming off a promising rookie season that was cut short after suffering a calf laceration in late January. The former Michigan Wolverine scored a goal and three assists last year in Lativa and Finland.

There are three spots available for general manager Rick Nash to utilize. Word has spread that both Anaheim Ducks forward Mason McTavish and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby might join the team.

The Canadians will begin Group A play in Prague against Great Britain on May 11.