Ryan Oulahen, head coach of the North Bay Battalion in the Ontario Hockey League, has been named head coach of Canada's national men's under-18 team for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Hockey Canada announced Wednesday.
Oulahen's coaching background
Oulahen, 42, has been at the helm of the Battalion since 2015, compiling a record of 324-269-48 over 10 seasons. He previously served as an assistant coach for Canada at the 2022 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, where the team won a bronze medal.
“It is an incredible honour to represent my country and lead this group of talented young players,” Oulahen said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the coaching staff and building a team that will make Canada proud.”
Hlinka Gretzky Cup details
The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is an annual under-18 international hockey tournament, typically held in August. Canada has won the event 24 times since its inception in 1991. The 2026 tournament will take place in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta, from August 3 to 8.
Hockey Canada's director of player personnel, Ryan Jankowski, praised Oulahen's appointment. “Ryan is a respected coach with a strong track record of developing players,” Jankowski said. “His experience and leadership will be invaluable as we prepare for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.”
Team selection process
The coaching staff, including assistants, will be announced in the coming weeks. The roster will be selected from a pool of top Canadian under-18 players, including those from the Canadian Hockey League and other development programs.
Canada's U-18 team has a storied history, with many alumni going on to NHL careers, including Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. The 2026 squad will aim to continue that tradition.
