With some NHL games already under his belt, Brady Martin is looking to play a major role for Team Canada when the annual tournament kicks off on Boxing Day
Getting to the Canadian team camp wasn’t easy, but Soo Greyhounds captain Brady Martin got there and has left a mark already heading into this week’s World Junior Hockey Championship in Minnesota.
The 18-year-old, who is in the midst of his third season with the Greyhounds, spent time on Canada’s top two lines through three exhibition games and scored three goals and three assists in three pre-tournament games for the Canadian entry, which went 2-1 in that span.
Martin was late getting to the Canadian camp in Niagara Falls due to travel issues getting out of the Sault, but once he got there, settling in has been relatively seamless.
The veteran forward started the season in the NHL with the Nashville Predators after getting drafted fifth overall in last summer’s NHL Entry Draft. Martin got into three games before being sent back to the Greyhounds, where he’s suited up in 13 games.
Martin has five goals and 16 points in those 13 games.
Asked by reporters during the Canadian camp what he can bring to the Canadian team, Martin spoke of his compete level and work ethic.
“That’s what a team needs and what a championship team needs,” Martin said.Â
Martin is one of a pair of Greyhounds who will compete in the tournament this season.
Team USA will feature highly-touted defenceman Chase Reid at the event.
Reid joined the Greyhounds in December 2024 and the NHL draft eligible blueliner has 14 goals and 35 points in 31 games this season.
Team Canada will open the World Junior Hockey Championship on Boxing Day against Czechia while Team USA is slated to face Germany in their opener, also on Boxing Day.
In addition to Martin and Reid, a former Greyhound will be a part of the tournament as a referee.
Hayden Verbeek, who played in 250 games with the Greyhounds over five seasons between 2013 and 2018, is one of a pair of Canadian referees who will work the tournament.