Wheelchair Basketball Canada has unveiled the rosters for its men’s and women’s teams set to compete in the upcoming world championships in Ottawa. The women’s team features a mix of seasoned players, with veterans such as Kady Dandeneau, Melanie Hawtin, Puisand Lai, Tara Llanes, Cindy Ouellet, Tamara Steeves, Elodie Tessier, and Arinn Young returning from the fourth-place Paralympic squad in 2024. Joining them are newcomers Elise Froese, Rosie Long, Mercy Nyakundi, and Bethany Johnson.
Having finished fifth in the 2022 championships, Canada’s women’s team last claimed gold in 2014 in Toronto. Meanwhile, the men’s roster includes seven players who have experience from both the Paralympic Games and the 2022 worlds, such as Reed De’Aeth, Nik Goncin, Colin Higgins, Lee Melymick, Tyler Miller, Blaise Mutware, and Garrett Ostepchuk. They will be supported by new additions Josh Brown, Ibrahim Odza, Kyrell Sopotyk, Lionel Tamoki, and Brandon Louie.
Canada’s men’s team, which placed sixth in the 2022 worlds, last secured a gold medal in 2006. The world championships, scheduled from Sept. 9-19, will play a crucial role in determining the allocation of spots for each zone at the 2028 Paralympic Games.