Ryan Oulahen is set to step behind the bench as head coach of Canada’s national junior team for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, a role that marks a distinct shift from his previous stints as an assistant.
A Milestone in Coaching
After two seasons assisting the Canadian squad in 2018 and 2024, Oulahen will lead a 22‑player roster that blends elite staff with some of the country’s most promising young talent.
The announcement comes as Oulahen continues to shape the North Bay Battalion, a team he has guided since 2021, steering them to three Eastern Conference Championship Series appearances and posting four seasons with at least 38 wins.
His track record as an assistant includes two gold medals and the pursuit of a 26th national championship for Canada, a goal he describes as both an honor and a responsibility.
The tournament will be held in Edmonton, a city familiar to Oulahen from past competitions, and will showcase players from the QMJHL, WHL and OHL, including forwards Sam Berthiaume, Brock Cripps and Camryn Warren.
Oulahen highlighted the caliber of the support staff and the depth of talent across the country, underscoring the event’s role as a showcase for the next generation of Canadian hockey stars.