Four SMU18AAAHL Alumni Named to Team Canada for 2024-25 IIHF World Juniors

Four talented players with ties to the SMU18AAAHL have earned spots on Team Canada's roster for the 2024-25 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, set to begin on Boxing Day in Ottawa. Berkly Catton (Spokane Chiefs), Brayden Yager (Lethbridge Hurricanes/Moose Jaw Warriors), and Caden Price (Kelowna Rockets), all hailing from Saskatoon, were named to the prestigious roster alongside Prince Albert native Tanner Howe (Calgary Hitmen/Regina Pats).

The trio from Saskatoon has a long history together, having played for the Saskatoon Contacts in the U18 AAA league before moving on to their successful junior careers. Their selection to Team Canada is a testament to their continued growth and elite performance at the junior level.

Photo Credit - @Saskatoon Contacts

Catton, Yager, and Price will join Howe on the national stage as Canada looks to rebound from a tough quarter final loss last year at the annual tournament, which kicks off with a highly anticipated matchup against Finland on December 26th. The World Juniors will be held at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, where the Canadian team hopes to capture gold on home ice.

For Howe, the opportunity to represent Canada comes after a standout career with the Regina Pats before being traded to the Calgary Hitmen. The Prince Albert native, who developed his skills with the Prince Albert Mintos, rounds out the Saskatchewan contingent on the Canadian roster.

The inclusion of these four players highlights the growing reputation of Saskatchewan as a hotbed for hockey talent, with the SMU18AAAHL producing high-level prospects year after year. Fans across the province are sure to be watching with pride as their local players take to the world stage in pursuit of international glory.

Team Canada will open their tournament against Finland on December 26, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and competitive World Juniors.