Zach Whitecloud named to Canadian roster, becoming 6th member of Calgary Flames to join world hockey championships

Defenceman Zach Whitecloud plays his first game for the Calgary Flames after being traded from the Vegas Golden Knights as part of the Rasmus Andersson trade deal in Calgary, Alta., Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Larry MacDougal

Canada’s team became the latest to add some Calgary Flames representation Friday, when defenceman Zach Whitecloud was named to the IIHF World Championship roster.

Forward Matt Coronato was also added to the Team USA roster, where he’ll join Flames teammate Devin Cooley.

Whitecloud previously played for Canada during the 2022 IIHF World Championships, picking up four points and a silver medal.

He also won a Stanley Cup in 2023 as a member of the Las Vegas Golden Knights.

Coronato played for the U.S. in 2023, scoring eight points as the Americans finished fourth.

Olli Maatta was named to the Finnish roster in April, while Martin Pospisil has been named to the Slovakian team and Adam Klapka to the Czechia roster.

Flames head coach Ryan Huska was named an assistant coach while Kent Kobelka, Scott Cyr and Dr. Ian Auld were also added as staff members.

Celebrini headlines Canadian roster

Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks headlines Canada’s roster for the championships in Switzerland which get underway May 15.

The 19-year-old Celebrini, who helped Canada win silver at the 2026 winter Olympics, is a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award after setting a Sharks franchise record and finishing fourth in NHL scoring with 115 points in his second season.

Canada’s roster also includes Toronto Maple Leafs centre John Tavares and defenceman Morgan Rielly, along with Edmonton Oilers blue liners Evan Bouchard and Darnell Nurse.

Former Leafs general manager Brad Treliving and Pittsburgh assistant GM Jason Spezza head the management group, while Misha Donskov will coach the team.

“The roster for the 2026 IIHF World Championship showcases tremendous commitment from some of the very best players in hockey representing Canada internationally, and we thank our 23 players for their commitment to playing for their country,” said Team Canada’s Kyle Dubas in a media release.

“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.”

Canada opens the tournament against Sweden on May 15 in Zurich.


With files from The Canadian Press