Mateychuk, Tabin set to represent Canada

A pair of Eastman players are set to represent their country at the highest level.

Dominion City’s Crosby Mateychuk was named to Hockey Canada’s roster for the upcoming U17 World Championships Oct. 14, while Kati Tabin was once again named to the Women’s World Championship roster Oct. 19.

It’s not the first time a Mateychuk has suited up for Team Canada. Crosby’s brother Denton, who is currently playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets, has represented the country at the U16, u18 U20 and World Championships.

The 2026 U17 World Challenge will feature two Canadian teams with Crosby, who is playing for Vancouver in the Western League this season, on the Canada White roster.

Through 10 games this season, the defender has a goal and three assists for the Giants. Last season in the AAA ranks, he potted an incredible 59 points in just 37 games as the 2010-born Mateychuk split time between Eastman and Vancouver.

“We are excited to unveil the 44 athletes who have earned the opportunity to represent Canada at the U17 World Challenge in Oakville, as this is an important step in their development and progression through the Program of Excellence,” Hockey Canada Program of Excellence manger Alan Millar said in a news release.

“Many of these players will wear the Maple Leaf for the first time and be introduced to international competition, and we know all 44 are excited to play for Canada and attempt to win a fourth-consecutive gold medal.”

The 2026 U17 Challenge will begin Nov. 1. The medal rounds will be broadcast on TSN, with pool games available for streaming via HNLive.ca.

Canada White is in a pool with Czechia and Sweden.

Tabin, who just helped Montreal to a Professional Women’s Hockey League championship last season, is back in the Maple Leaf at the senior level for just the second time, after suiting up at the 2026 Olympics.

It’s a bit of a transition year with the Team Canada women’s program, as only 13 players are returning from the 2026 Olympic team.

“Following a strong training camp in Quebec City, our coaching staff is excited to continue building toward the world championship with the athletes selected to represent Canada,” head coach Kori Cheverie said in a news release.

“There is a great sense of energy, hunger and determination within this group. We’re looking forward to building on that momentum as we prepare to compete in Denmark.”

Veteran defender Jocelyne Larocque (Ste Anne), who boasts four Olympic Medals and 12 World Championship medals, is one of the players who will not be returning to Team Canada. The 1988-born defender plays for Ottawa in the PWHL.

Canada will play in Group B at the championships alongside hosts Denmark, Finland, Japan and Sweden. Games at the tournament and the pre-tournament games played in Canada will be broadcast on TSN. Team Canada opens their tournament against Sweden Nov. 6. Puck drop is at 8 a.m. Manitoba time.