Denton Mateychuk to wear Maple Leaf once again

For the first time, Denton Mateychuk will suit up for Team Canada at senior international event.

Dominion City’s Mateychuk has represented Canada over the years at U18 and junior events, but got the call to play for Team Canada at the upcoming IIHF World Championships in Switzerland.

The defenseman just finished his second season playing in the NHL for the Columbus Blue Jackets, scoring 13 goals and 18 assists across 75 games this season.

Pittsburgh Penguins general manger Kyle Dubas, who is part of Team Canada’s management group thanked the 23 players for commiting to the tournament, which takes place during the NHL playoffs, right at the end of the season for all of the players.

“The roster named today combines players who have represented Canada at the very highest level with young players who have the potential to be impact players for Team Canada for years to come, and veteran players with excellent National Men’s Team and Stanley Cup experience that will provide guidance and leadership,” Dubas said in a Hockey Canada news release.

“The 2026 Men’s Worlds represents a great opportunity for Canada to compete against the best nations in the world. The players and our entire staff are a group that we expect to earn the chance to compete for a gold medal, and it is an opportunity and challenge that we will not take lightly in Switzerland.”

Canada opened the tournament against Sweden May 15. Included in their group are Italy, Denmark, Norway, Slovenia, Slovakia and Czechia.