Wheelchair Basketball Canada has unveiled the lineups for both its men’s and women’s teams set to compete at the upcoming world championships in Ottawa. The women’s squad will feature a mix of experienced players such as Kady Dandeneau, Melanie Hawtin, Puisand Lai, Tara Llanes, Cindy Ouellet, Tamara Steeves, Elodie Tessier, and Arinn Young, who all played crucial roles in the team’s fourth-place finish at the 2024 Paralympics. Additionally, Elise Froese, Rosie Long, Mercy Nyakundi, and Bethany Johnson have secured spots on the roster.
In previous championships, Canada placed fifth in 2022, with their last podium appearance dating back to 2014 when the women clinched gold in Toronto. The men’s team will see the return of seven players who featured in both the Paralympic Games and the 2022 world championships: Reed De’Aeth, Nik Goncin, Colin Higgins, Lee Melymick, Tyler Miller, Blaise Mutware, and Garrett Ostepchuk. They will be joined by newcomers Josh Brown, Ibrahim Odza, Kyrell Sopotyk, Lionel Tamoki, and Brandon Louie.
The Canadian men, who finished sixth in the 2022 worlds, last tasted gold success in 2006. The tournament is 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.