Most years during the winter holidays, Julie and Rob Cootes are huddled around the TV with their boys, watching Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championship. This year, however, their youngest son, Braeden, won’t be back in Sherwood Park for Christmas. That’s because the Vancouver Canucks forward prospect who toils for the Western Hockey League’s Seattle Thunderbirds will be playing in the World Juniors, aiming for a gold medal while representing Canada. “It’s something that he’ll cherish forever,” father Rob said. “He hasn’t really talked about it too much. I think once he gets to Minnesota, it’ll be a lot more real for him.” Mom Julie says it’s “really exciting.” “He’s worked really hard,” she said of Braeden, who was taken 15th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. “It was his goal to make this team this year. So I’m just super proud of him for the hard work he’s put in.” Wearing the Maple Leaf is another dream come true for someone else with local ties: Edmonton Oil Kings defenceman Ethan MacKenzie. The Peachland, B.C., native has flown under the radar until recently. The 19-year-old is the only player on Team Canada who was passed over in June’s NHL draft. “I think that I’m good enough,” MacKenzie told CTV News Edmonton on Monday. “I’m here for a reason. That’s always been a huge dream of mine, to put (the Canadian) jersey on.” MacKenzie is the first Oil Kings players to make Team Canada in three years. Dylan Guenther, who now stars for the Utah Mammoth, was the last. MacKenzie, Cootes and the rest of Team Canada begin their quest for gold on Friday against Czechia.
