Vancouver Canucks top prospect Braeden Cootes lands major opportunity on international stage
Photo credit: Bob Frid - Imagn Images
Vancouver Canucks top prospect Braeden Cootes has landed a major opportunity on the international stage in the weeks ahead following a strong start to the season.
It's been nearly six months since the Vancouver Canucks selected forward Braeden Cootes in the first round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and it's been a wild time for the team's top prospect.
Cootes earned himself a spot on the Vancouver Canucks' opening night roster in early October and would go on to three games in the NHL before ultimately being sent back to the Western Hockey League for his second season as captain of the Seattle Thunderbirds.
The Sherwood Park, Alberta native has gotten off to a flying start in the Western Hockey League with 23 points (ten goals, 13 assists) in 17 games and because of that, he's managed to land himself a pretty big opportunity on the international stage.
Vancouver Canucks top prospect Braeden Cootes lands big opportunity on international stage
On Monday morning, Hockey Canada unveiled their training camp roster for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Minnesota and among the 27 players invited is Vancouver Canucks top prospect Braeden Cootes.
"We are extremely excited to unveil the 27 players who will begin the road to the World Juniors at training camp in Niagara Falls. This group represents the very best of Canadian junior hockey-skill, speed, sense, character, and a strong commitment to team success and the pride in representing Canada at this prestigious world championship. Our staff has worked tirelessly to identify a roster that embodies the identity we want Canada to play, and we're confident these athletes are ready for the challenge ahead. This process and team build came with many difficult decisions. We are confident in this group as we begin our preparations for Minneapolis on December 12." Canadian GM Alan Millar said.
Other notables on Canada's roster include three NHLers - Harrison Brunicke (Pittsburgh Penguins), Michael Misa (San Jose Sharks) and Zayne Parekh (Calgary Flames), with 20 of 27 players being first round picks.
Canada will open up their training camp in Niagara Falls, Ontario on Friday, with the team's first practice coming on Saturday at 8 a.m. PT (11 a.m. local).
During their training camp, Canada will play three pre-tournament games two against Sweden (December 17th in Kitchener, Ontario & December 20th in London, Ontario), as well as Denmark on December 23rd in Mankato, Minnesota, after which they'll need to cut a trio of players - one goaltender, one defenseman & one forward.
Canada will begin their quest for a 21st gold medal at the World Juniors on Boxing Day against Czechia, who knocked them out in the quarterfinals at the last two tournaments, with puck drop set for 5:30 p.m. PT (7:30 p.m. local) on TSN.
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 8 | 829 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks top prospect Braeden Cootes lands major opportunity on international stage Do you think Braeden Cootes will be on Canada's final roster for the 2026 World Juniors? | ||
| Yes | 725 | 87.5 % |
| No | 104 | 12.5 % |
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