Williams named to Canada Red for U17 World Challenge

Saint John Sea Dogs

Saint John Sea Dogs defenseman Lawrence Williams has been named to Team Canada Red for the upcoming 2026 U17 World Challenge in Oakville, ON.

44 players were named to the two Canadian teams that will take part in the annual under-17 event.

Williams was one of nine players from the QMJHL named to Team Canada.

CANADA WHITE 

Zackary Lainesse, G, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies 

Max Brien, F, Rimouski Océanic 

Jacob McKinnon, F, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada 

CANADA RED 

Nathan Boulanger, G, Baie-Comeau Drakkar 

Vincent Boutet, D, Victoriaville Tigres 

Lawrence Williams, D, Saint John Sea Dogs 

Thomas Boisvert, F, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies 

Jakob Royer, F, Victoriaville Tigres

Williams, selected by Saint John with the 14th overall pick in this year's QMJHL Entry Draft, has a goal and an assist in seven QMJHL games this season. The 16-year-old registered his first QMJHL goal in Monday's Sea Dogs win over the Drummondville Voltiegurs.

According to a Hockey Canada press release, "the 2026 U17 World Challenge kicks off Nov. 1 with Canada White taking on Czechia and Canada Red matching up against Finland. Teams will play two preliminary-round games before the second- and third-place teams in Group A and B cross over for the quarterfinals on Nov. 5. The first-place teams in each group will advance to the semifinals on Nov. 6, and the tournament will conclude with medal games on Nov. 7. The event also features pre-tournament games at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex on Oct. 30."

Finland, Czechia, the United States and Sweden will all have teams in the tournament.

Last year, Sea Dogs forward Alexis Joseph captained Canada Red to a gold medal in Truro.