Wheelchair Basketball Canada has revealed the rosters for the upcoming world championships in Ottawa, with both the women’s and men’s teams finalized. The women’s squad will see the return of seasoned players such as Kady Dandeneau, Melanie Hawtin, Puisand Lai, Tara Llanes, Cindy Ouellet, Tamara Steeves, Elodie Tessier, and Arinn Young, who were part of the fourth-place Paralympic team in 2024. Additionally, Elise Froese, Rosie Long, Mercy Nyakundi, and Bethany Johnson have been selected to join the team.
Canada, which secured fifth place at the 2022 championships, last clinched a podium spot in 2014 when the women’s team emerged victorious in Toronto. Turning to the men’s team, seven players are making a comeback from both the Paralympic Games and the 2022 worlds, including Reed De’Aeth, Nik Goncin, Colin Higgins, Lee Melymick, Tyler Miller, Blaise Mutware, and Garrett Ostepchuk. They will be joined by newcomers Josh Brown, Ibrahim Odza, Kyrell Sopotyk, Lionel Tamoki, and Brandon Louie.
The Canadian men’s team, which finished sixth at the 2022 world championships, last claimed the gold medal in 2006. The tournament is scheduled to take place from September 9 to 19 and will play a significant role in determining the allocation of slots each zone will receive for the 2028 Paralympic Games.