World Juniors 2026: Can these goalies get it done this year?

After a disappointing past few years of back-to-back quarterfinal losses to Czechia, the pressure is now shifted to another duo of Canadian goalies, ones who need to step up and dual the rising stars from the other end of the ice, from USA, Finland, Sweden and Czechia. With Canadian goaltending being dominated in all levels by the flexible and agile styles of the European game, how can these goalies match up against the skills and quick plays that commonly takes place in the World Juniors? With a younger selection of goalies last year, Canada brings back both Carter George (starter of last years tournament) and Jack Ivancovic (played 1 game). They both will compete for a spot against Prince George Cougars star and recent first round draft pick Joshua Ravensbergen, a North Vancouver minor hockey native and a top prospect for the San Jose Sharks.

Carter George

Carter George has proved he can lead Canada back to the glory with his strong play in both international and in the WHL. An assistant captain for the second straight year for the Owen Sound Attack, a .910 save percentage in 13 games shows the consistency that is needed to win in a tournament like the World Juniors. In the Canada jersey, George is 8-2 with a .915% in the U18 World Championships and a title, and a .936% in the WJ last year as the starter. Yet, in the final rounds he has struggled, giving up the majority of his goals in the games that matter most in the tournaments. Though being a top pick for the LA Kings and having a shutout in one of his two AHL starts, George wants to prove he can jump straight into NHL action by being a top goalie in this tournament.

Jack Ivancovic

A dominant back-to-back shutouts in the semi final and final in the World U18’s, Ivancovic posted a .961 save percentage in 6 games that bumped him up to the juniors roster at just 17 years old. Whether honing his skills this year to take over in 2027, or using his dominance in the NCAA to boost his credentials for this year, Ivancovic plays a loose and athletic style that Canadian fans enjoy watching. At only 6’0 compared to his counterparts of George (6’3) and Ravensbergen (6’5), a mix of athleticism to make saves on the quick plays which is of the Europeans and USA players in the tournament is what is going to influence coaches to take a chance with him.

Joshua Ravensbergen

A starter in the WHL at 17 and playing 38 games his first year as well posting 12 playoff games (.931 %), Ravensbergen has proved he is a top pick for the World Juniors roster. Posting wins last season for the Cougars (33 wins in 51 games) saw the San Jose Sharks take him as their second pick and now one of their top goalie prospects. A big goaltender at 6’5, Ravensbergen reads the game well and has an upright posture that takes away the upper part of the net from shooters. As typically smaller goalies have dominated in previous years for Canada (Zach Fucale, Carter Hart, Thomas Milic, Devin Levi, Dylan Garand), maybe a change to an athletic taller goalie could be a change Canada wants to make.

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