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 team will see the return of key 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 named to the squad.
Canada’s women’s team placed fifth in the 2022 championships and last claimed gold in Toronto back in 2014. For the men’s team, seven players are returning from both the Paralympic Games and the 2022 worlds: 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 in the 2022 worlds, last secured a gold medal in 2006. The championship is scheduled to take place from Sept. 9-19 and will determine the allocation of spots each zone will receive for the 2028 Paralympic Games.