MONTREAL – Canadian prospects are already eyeing the holiday season with projected lineups for the World Junior Championship.
Canada finished its summer hockey showcase with a victory, setting the stage for the holiday tournament.
- Michael Hage, a top prospect for the Montreal Canadiens, impressed at the summer showcase.
- Hage is projected to be a key forward for Canada in the World Junior Championship.
- The summer camp included internal games and preliminary projections for the national team.
- Several top prospects, including Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers, were absent from the recent camp.
Michael Hage, a highly anticipated prospect for the Montreal Canadiens, has been highlighted in early projections for the upcoming World Junior Championship. The forward made a notable impression during the recent summer hockey showcase, which concluded with a 6-2 win against the United States. This final victory helped Canada rebound after earlier losses to Sweden (8-4) and Finland (6-3).
Hage Shines in Summer Showcase
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Team Canada coach Dale Hunter praised Hage’s performance, stating, “He had an excellent camp. It was one of our best players.” Hage, who was a first-round pick in 2024, recorded five points in his four games, matching the team’s leading scorers. He expressed his desire to showcase his competitive spirit.
“It’s obviously pleasant to be on the scoring sheet, but what I wanted to show is what I am competitive,” Hage said. “Sometimes we do not see through the videos how competitive and fierce a player is,and I just wanted to come here this week and show that I am a competitor and that I will do everything I need to win.”
Projected Lineups Emerge
Following the summer evaluations, including an intra-squad game between Team Red and Team White, early projections for the World Junior Championship trios have been released. Hage is anticipated to form a potent third line alongside Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers. It’s certainly worth noting that both Iginla, who is recovering from hip surgery, and Desnoyers, a top prospect, did not participate in this recent camp.
“Nothing personal,” Hage commented on the confrontation with Koivu, his former roommate. “I no who I take it to. It was part of the game. I knew everything would go after the match.”
Early World Junior Projections
Projections for the world Junior Championship roster include:
Forwards:
* First Line: Gavin McKenna (eligible for 2026),Roger McQueen (Anaheim),Porter Martone (Philadelphia)
* Second Line: Michael Misa (San Jose),Berkly Catton (Seattle),Beckett Sennecke (Anaheim)
* Third Line: Tij Iginla (Utah),Caleb Desnoyers (Utah),Michael Hage (Montreal)
* Fourth Line: Lie Greentree (Los Angeles),Sam O’Elice (Tampa Bay),Brady Martin (Nashville)
* 13th Player/Reservist: Malcolm Spence (New York Rangers),Cole Beaudoin (Utah)
Defense Pairs:
* Materwer Schaefer (New York Islanders),Zayne Parek (Calgary)
* Sam Dickinson (San Jose),Harrison Brunic (Pittsburgh)
* Kashawn Aitchson (New York Islanders),Benford (toronto)
* 7th Defender/Reservist: Cameron Reid (Nashville),Charlie Elick (Columbus)
Goaltender:
* Starting Goalie: Carter George (Los Angeles)
