Wheelchair Basketball Canada has revealed the rosters for the upcoming world championships in Ottawa, with both women’s and men’s teams finalized.
The women’s team will see a mix of experienced players and new additions. Key veterans 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, will be returning. Additionally, Elise Froese, Rosie Long, Mercy Nyakundi, and Bethany Johnson have been included in the squad. Canada’s women’s team achieved fifth place in the 2022 championships, with their last gold medal coming in 2014 in Toronto.
On the men’s side, the team comprises of seven players who have represented Canada in both the Paralympic Games and the 2022 worlds: Reed De’Aeth, Nik Goncin, Colin Higgins, Lee Melymick, Tyler Miller, Blaise Mutware, and Garrett Ostepchuk. Joining them are Josh Brown, Ibrahim Odza, Kyrell Sopotyk, Lionel Tamoki, and Brandon Louie. The Canadian men finished sixth in the 2022 worlds, with their last gold medal win dating back to 2006.
The world championships are scheduled to take place from September 9-19, where the allocation of spots for each zone in the 2028 Paralympic Games will be determined.
