Trail Talent Shines on World Stage

Trail Talent Shines on World Stage: McCarthy, Johnson, and Huska Join Team Canada for 2025 IIHF World Championship

Trail, British Columbia is proudly represented on the international hockey stage as two of its own—Steve McCarthy and Kent Johnson—along with Kootenay product Ryan Huska, have been named to Team Canada’s roster for the 2025 IIHF World Championship, set to take place from May 9 to 25 in Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark.

Steve McCarthy, a Trail native and former Trail Smoke Eaters standout, has been appointed as an assistant coach for Team Canada. McCarthy, who holds the single-season franchise record for most goals, assists, and points by a defenceman with the Smoke Eaters, brings a wealth of experience from his NHL playing days and his current role behind the bench with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Joining McCarthy on the coaching staff is Ryan Huska, head coach of the Calgary Flames and a proud product of the Kootenays. With deep roots in BC’s interior hockey scene and a reputation for strong leadership, Huska adds valuable experience and poise to Canada’s coaching ranks.

On the ice, Kent Johnson, a former Trail Smoke Eater and current forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets, will suit up for Team Canada. Johnson has already worn the maple leaf at the 2022 Winter Olympics and IIHF World Junior Championship, and now brings his elite playmaking skills to the men’s senior team.

Team Canada will open the tournament on May 10 against Slovenia, followed by games against Norway (May 12), Finland (May 14), and Switzerland (May 16). The preliminary round wraps with a marquee matchup against host nation Sweden on May 20.