Wheelchair Basketball Canada has unveiled the rosters for the upcoming world championships in Ottawa, featuring both women’s and men’s teams. The women’s squad will see the return of experienced 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 earned spots on the team.
In the past championships, Canada secured a fifth-place finish in 2022, with their last podium appearance dating back to 2014 when the women clinched gold in Toronto.
Turning to the men’s team, seven players 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 – will make a comeback. They will be joined by newcomers Josh Brown, Ibrahim Odza, Kyrell Sopotyk, Lionel Tamoki, and Brandon Louie.
The Canadian men’s team, which ended up in sixth place at the 2022 worlds, last tasted victory in 2006.
The world championships are scheduled to take place from September 9 to 19 and will play a crucial role in determining the allocation of spots for each zone at the 2028 Paralympic Games.