Top standouts from Canada’s 2026 men’s national U-17 summer camp
OAKVILLE, Ont. – If you’re reading this, your job is either to build a competitive hockey team, or it’s probably time to go touch some grass.
Hockey Canada hosted its annual U-17 national team training camp in Oakville, Ontario over the past few days. The main event – the World U-17 Hockey Challenge – will take place in November at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, so it was a perfect opportunity for 80+ potential candidates to get used to the environment.
Canada brings two teams to the tournament each year (they host it). That means 44 players will suit up for their country for the first time in front of hundreds of scouts. We’re still a few months away, but it was a good time to get an early look at some 2028 and 2029 NHL Draft prospects.
Today, we’re looking at 10 players who stood out over the past week. Positions are based on what they played for the majority of game action in Oakville, and their teams are based on where they were drafted by (since some players haven’t signed deals for 2026-27 yet):
Tanner Adams, C (Brampton Steelheads, OHL)
Even when Adams wasn’t putting pucks on net, I found plenty of ways to enjoy his game (including his “fight” with Thor Lifiton). He’s a hard-working two-way player who seems to really understand the defensive game – and much more than he did even a few months ago. The Porcupine, Ontario native is built so strong for his age and he’s able to overpower opponents with ease. He’s a high-end shooter and playmaker, but he also controls and defends the puck so well. I have full faith that Adams will thrive in the OHL from the get-go because he’s skilled, strong, smart and well-rounded already.
Gavin Godick, RHD (Kingston Frontenacs, OHL)
Godick had a couple of goals over the past few days while also doing an excellent job of getting himself out of danger. Godiuk was one of Canada Yellow’s top transporters, rarely struggling to get the puck down the ice. While he’s not overly big, he does play with muscle and doesn’t let opponents push him around. I think he’s better as a passer, but his shot definitely had more power behind it than it did when I last saw him with the Don Mills Flyers. I see a top-four OHL defenseman here.
Cole Guizzetti, LW (Flint Firebirds, OHL)
It was funny watching Guizzetti, at 5-foot-6, stand beside 6-foot-7 Logan Prud’Homme with Upper Canada College last year. But it was difficult to ignore Guizzetti despite his small size because he brought so much energy to every shift. He was a step ahead of most offensively in his own age group last year, showing an equal level of skill as a shooter and a playmaker. That was obvious throughout camp, with the biggest highlight being an absolute snipe in Canada Red’s second game against Black. He’s full of energy and actually handles himself much better than you’d expect for someone his size. He’ll need to bulk up to thrive in the OHL, but I wouldn’t bet against him having a Cameron Schmidt/Adam Benak-style of offensive impact at the next level.
Kash Kwajah, C (Sudbury Wolves, OHL)
Kwajah had two goals and an assist in Red’s first game and then buzzed all over the ice in the second game. It felt like anytime Red needed an influx of speed and skill, he was there to make it happen. He controls the puck with a high level of confidence, and he likes exploiting open space on the attack. Kwajah has decent size for his age, but his game is more about being dynamic on the fly and adjusting his play style whenever needed. I think he’ll be a high-output OHLer.
Zachary Lainesse, G (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, QMJHL)
Camps like this make it extremely difficult for goalies to thrive. They usually only get a game and a half to prove themselves – but Lainesse absolutely thrived. He had a 16-save shutout in his first showing and was lights out in the second game, stopping 31 shots in the first 40 minutes alone. Without him, Canada Black would have been absolutely toast. He’s such a calm goalie when he needs to be, but Lainesse has the pure athleticism and speed to get in front of rebounds and desperate final chances. He rarely wastes any movement, and it allows him to stay competitive until the final whistle. At 5-foot-11, Lainesse lacks ideal size. But Hockey Canada cares about goalies who’ll help them win now, and I think he’ll be the starter for one of Canada’s two teams at the main event in November.
Thor Lifiton, RHD (Penticton Vees, WHL)
Not only did he have the best name at camp (Athens Shingoose, Cruz Jim and Crosby Meteychuk put up a good argument, too), but he was my favorite defenseman. He just seemed in full control every time he hit the ice, rarely making a poor pass. He made some great stretch feeds from his own zone and generally looked strong defensively. He’s very reliable at both ends of the ice and isn’t afraid to jump in on the rush, something that seemed especially apparent in the second game against Canada Red on Monday. Scouts raved about the 6-foot-3 defender against U-18 competition this year, and I have no doubt in my mind he’ll jump to the WHL and immediately make an impact thanks to his maturity and hard-nosed playstyle.
Kain Martinuik, LW (Saskatoon Blades, WHL)
I was thoroughly impressed with Martinuik. He made so many great defensive plays, and was the best two-way player on any line he was on. He rarely lost a 1-on-1 battle, and was willing to get physical with anyone who was willing to take him on. Martinuik plays with a ton of skill, but it was his diversity away from the puck – especially with how he managed to retrieve it – that made him so dangerous. Martinuik didn’t have an explosive offensive showing, but it felt like he was involved quite frequently.
Colin Kennedy, C (Erie Otters, OHL)
Kennedy was an absolute beast at this tournament. He boasts a quick, accurate wrister, and gives goalies little time to prepare. He also battles as hard as anyone at this age, while also being defensively responsible. You love to see kids who have the 200-foot game down pat at 16, because you know the skill will follow. Good thing he was also highly productive over the past two years with the Little Caesars program, too. Look for the Otters forward to be a high-end offensive threat right out of the gate.
Adrian Sgro, LHD (Sarnia Sting, OHL)
From the very first practice, Sgro looked advanced for his age. The former Vaughan Kings star isn’t big, but he takes up a ton of space and is willing to throw caution to the wind to win a physical battle (sometimes to a fault). He’s a strong puck-mover who’s also forceful at getting pucks on net. Sgro is a highly mobile defender who moves fluidly and with little effort. I expect him to be a top-pairing defenseman in the OHL before too long.
Athens Shingoose, LW (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL)
From a pure skill standpoint, Shingoose was the best player in this tournament. He had multiple multi-point efforts, highlighted by a two-goal game to open things up. He’s small, but uber competitive and willing to do whatever it takes to win battles. Shingoose is a tremendous puck-mover and plays with so much pace. His deceptive shot and first pass are already elite for this level. He’ll have no issues producing in the WHL, and I expect him to be a top-six forward for whichever Canadian team he dresses for in November.
Also Considered: Arjun Nanubhai, RW; Colin Landerville, C; Holden Wouters, RHD; Declan McNally, LHD; Louis-Oscar Holowaychuk, RW; Lauchlan Whelan, C; Kalen Miles, LW
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