A Milestone for the Fighting Hawks
Canada’s roster for the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase was recently unveiled, and three members of the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks have earned spots on the team.
Cole Reschny, Keaton Verhoeff and Carson Carels will join the squad for a series of practices and exhibition games in Windsor, Ontario, running from July 26 through August 1.
The showcase will feature on‑ice sessions on July 27 and 28, followed by matches against Finland, Sweden and the United States, giving the prospects a chance to compete against top junior talent.
This selection comes on the heels of Canada’s bronze‑medal performance at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships, the nation’s first podium finish since 2023, underscoring the depth of talent on the roster.
Adding to the narrative, two other Fighting Hawks — Cooper Simpson and Carter Sanderson — have been named to the United States roster, bringing the total number of UND representatives across both teams to five.
The presence of so many North Dakota alumni reflects the program’s growing influence on the international stage, a point highlighted by Hockey Canada’s director of player development.