Sebastian Blanchard, Smith Vantine lead top performers at Elite Canadian Crown
The Elite Canadian Crown has been one of the top U15 showcases on the continent, consistently attracting top-end talent and elite programs looking to test themselves against the best.
This year was no different, as many of the top prospects eligible for the 2026 and 2027 WHL Drafts, and some eligible for the 2027 OHL and QMJHL Drafts, put on a show. In the A Group Championship, Bishop Kearney Selects completed a stunning comeback, erasing a 4-1 deficit to defeat Shattuck St. Mary's 5-4 in overtime. After blowing a 3-0 lead in last year's final, Bishop Kearney found redemption on the other side of a comeback.
There were plenty of standout performances, whether it was the high-intelligence playmaking of Owen Moulton, the 18-point explosion from Smith Vantine, the power forward dominance of Sebastian Blanchard, or the dual-threat brilliance of Brody Antignani.
Here's our look at those players and plenty more.
Sebastian Blanchard, C, Bishop Kearney Selects 14U AAA
Sebastian Blanchard didn’t just participate in the Canada Crown, he defined its conclusion. A quietly commanding presence throughout the round robin, he saved his most dominant showing for the Championship Game against Shattuck St. Mary’s. He controlled the game not just with pace, but with a terrifying blend of strength and composure that allowed him to dictate the game.
His ability to take over when it mattered most was highlighted in our report from the final:
He earned the game-winning goal with a relentless end-to-end rush and a perfectly placed shot off the rush, a play that showcased both his speed and power. Blanchard is physical along the walls, aggressive on the forecheck, and fearless when taking shots in motion... This was an A-grade performance from a player with clear power-forward upside.
Blanchard is a rare centre who can create offence simply by funneling pucks to the net. He uses a powerful first step to gain separation and possesses the hands to protect possession in high-traffic areas. His shot generates rebounds and forces second saves, while his vision in transition allows him to act as a reliable distributor through the neutral zone.
With a game that blends size, deceptive speed, and a clutch gene, Blanchard projects as a top-tier power forward. He already possesses dual-threat scoring ability and looks every bit the part of a high-end prospect for the next level.
Owen Moulton, RW, Shattuck St. Mary’s 14U AAA
Owen Moulton was arguably the most dangerous attacker on the ice for Shattuck, carrying the offensive load with an ease that belies his age. He combines elite puck handling with a hockey sense that seems to view the game from an aerial angle, anticipating plays two steps ahead of his opposition.
His creativity was on full display against NAX, where he produced one of the tournament’s finest highlights:
He scored a highlight goal going through the legs around a defender to beat the goalie on the forehand and added a back-door goal off a rush pass, showing both patience and aggression. Every shift, he was engaged, blending skill, anticipation, and physicality into an A-grade performance.
Moulton is versatile, capable of manipulating defenders to open lanes for teammates or completing plays himself with a shot that threatens from anywhere in the offensive zone. He is relentless on the forecheck, using reverse hits to gain leverage, and refuses to give defenders time or space.
Blending high-end vision with a willingness to play in the dirty areas, Moulton is a complete offensive weapon. He projects as a top-line prospect who can impact the game in every offensive scenario.
Brody Antignani, C, Calgary Edge School U15 Prep
Brody Antignani was a standout for Calgary Edge, demonstrating a pace of play that has improved significantly since earlier in the season. He weaves through neutral zone traffic with ease, controlling the slot and creating high-danger opportunities at will.
His dual-threat capabilities were on full display against the Cannex Bisons:
Offensively, he was a dual threat... consistently setting up teammates with precise passes behind the net, into the slot, or on breakaways. His vision, hand-eye coordination, and puckhandling made him difficult to defend.
Antignani is skilled off the backhand and impossible to pressure into poor decisions. He contributes defensively with a strong backcheck and remains engaged in all three zones.
Combining skill, speed, and intelligence, Antignani is playing at a level that feels unfair for his age group. He is a top-tier prospect with the versatility to excel in any role he is given.
Brady Leinenweber, RD, Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep
In a tournament filled with flashy forwards, Brady Leinenweber stood out by simply doing everything right. The driving force on the back end for NAX, he was tasked with shutting down top competition like Shattuck St. Mary’s and did so with poise. He is a smooth skater with a tight handle, making end-to-end rushes look routine while maintaining defensive integrity.
His ability to impact the game at both ends was clear in our viewings:
Stepping into an offensive role, he carried a significant burden... executed evasive rushes with control, and consistently made smart decisions with the puck. From end-to-end rushes to taking low shots from the point, his game combined intelligence, skill, and impact.
Leinenweber possesses a deceptive offensive game, utilizing fakes to create space at the blue line and threatening with a heavy one-timer. Defensively, he kills rushes with good gap control and physical assertiveness.
He may not always be the most dynamic player on the ice, but he is certainly one of the most complete. Leinenweber looks like a sure-fire top-four defenceman at the next level, offering a blend of size, skill, and reliability.
Smith Vantine, RW, Bishop Kearney Selects 14U AAA
While Blanchard provided the power for Bishop Kearney, Smith Vantine provided the artistry. A dynamic playmaker with an edge, Vantine consistently found ways to break defensive structure. He thrives below the goal line, using his strength to draw defenders in before slipping clever passes into the slot.
His ability to manipulate the offensive zone was evident throughout the weekend:
He was at his best working below the goal line... slipping clever passes into the slot, including a perfectly timed feed that led directly to a goal. His confidence with the puck showed throughout, whether retrieving pucks in the offensive zone or threading passes off the wall.
Vantine is not just a perimeter player; he attacks the interior with a willingness to pay the price. He blocks passing lanes, outmuscles opponents for possession, and shows high-end awareness in all three zones.
With poise under pressure and the ability to drive a line even when he isn’t the primary shooter, Vantine projects as a high-end prospect. He is a true dual-threat capable of being a consistent game-changer in transition and set plays.
Kenzo Gibson, C, Burnaby Winter Club U15 Prep
Kenzo Gibson was the catalyst for Burnaby Winter Club. A powerful skater with an explosive first step, he was nearly impossible to stop in transition. He plays a heavy, athletic game, muscling through defenders to create partial breakaways and burying shots with a quick release.
His dominance was most apparent in the game against Team Illinois:
He displayed a blend of strength and finesse, muscling through a defender to break free... where he buried a quick shot top left. His playmaking was just as impactful; he consistently made the right decisions with the puck.
Gibson impacts the game in all three zones. He is aggressive on the forecheck, smart on the penalty kill, and possesses the vision to slow the game down and feed the slot.
With a toolkit that includes size, speed, and unwavering confidence, Gibson checks every box. He is the kind of player who can tilt the ice on every shift and projects as a high-impact forward at the next level.
Danel Ramazanov, LW, Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep
Danel Ramazanov is a game-breaker in the truest sense. An electrifying talent, he served as the engine for NAX’s transition game, using elite acceleration to turn routine neutral zone regroupings into high-danger scoring chances. He has a massive pace advantage over his peers, instantly punishing gaps in coverage.
His dynamic ability was best captured in a sequence against the LA Jr. Kings:
Trusted alone with an empty net in the defensive zone, he shook the forechecker and fired a bullet pass up ice... then he flew into the offensive zone at mach speed, and buried a great far-side shot, tying the game. That play captured everything he can do.
While he can be a highlight-reel machine, Ramazanov also showed layers of grit. He is tough for his size, absorbing contact to make plays and delivering reverse hits in the defensive zone. He is an activator who competes consistently, retrieving pucks and fighting hard in battles.
Ramazanov is a constant dual threat who dictates the tempo of a game. As he continues to refine his off-puck positioning to get open more frequently, he projects as an elite top-six forward with significant upside.
Jack Keiser, LW, Shattuck St. Mary’s 14U AAA
Jack Keiser played with a quiet efficiency that evolved into dominance by the championship game. Lined up with elite talent, he understood his role perfectly, moving pucks cleanly in transition and making himself a reliable breakout option. By the final game, he was driving the rush with pace and power, outmuscling defenders and threading precision passes through traffic to create prime scoring chances.
Keiser’s vision on the cross-crease and in transition was elite, and he wasn't afraid to get his nose dirty, adding a sneaky wraparound goal and an easy tap-in to his resume. As the only 2012-born player on his squad, he displayed smart defensive awareness and high-end playmaking ability, cementing himself as one of the most dynamic underagers in the tournament.
Sebastian Morgan, C, Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep
Despite being an underager, Sebastian Morgan was the driving force for a Northern Alberta Xtreme squad that captured the B Championship. Lined up alongside multiple potential 2026 WHL Draft first-rounders, Morgan more than held his own, leading NAX in scoring with a prolific 13 points in just five games, driving his own line. He consistently used his speed and quick hands to create chaos in all three zones, turning defensive stops into immediate offensive pressure and dictating the flow of the game whenever he was on the ice.
He battled physically in the slot and along the walls, showing the strength to win puck battles and the finesse to navigate traffic against older, stronger competition. His ability to weave through defenders and release shots under pressure showcased a level of poise rare for a 2012-born player. Morgan’s combination of elite production, pace, and hockey sense paints the picture of a premier prospect capable of influencing every shift at the highest levels.
Liam Bordt, RW, Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep
Liam Bordt was a physical force who made his presence felt on every shift. A pest who thrives in the dirty areas, he used his size and strength to impose himself on opponents and create opportunities in all zones. His skating is incredibly powerful, allowing him to separate from defenders and drive through contact, while his shot remains a constant threat off the rush and on the powerplay.
Bordt’s forechecking was relentless, forcing turnovers and drawing defenders’ attention to open space for his linemates. While his aggression occasionally led to penalty trouble, it also underscored the competitive fire that makes him so hard to play against. With the tools of a power forward, including high-end strength, shot, and physicality, Bordt projects as a first-round talent who can change the momentum of a game instantly.
Brayden Dean, C, Shattuck St. Mary’s 14U AAA
Brayden Dean was the engine that powered Shattuck’s relentless attack throughout the weekend. A shoot-first threat who snaps pucks off the pass with impressive velocity, he consistently found seams that defenders seemed unaware of. He played with a tenacious pace, inserting himself into the middle of the action and driving offense through direct pressure rather than perimeter play. Whether slipping behind coverage for backdoor goals or firing powerful shots off the rush, his timing and intent were impressive.
Beyond the scoring, Dean’s impact was felt in the gritty areas of the game. He was relentless on the boards, outmuscling opponents to free pucks and absorb heavy forecheck hits to make plays. Defensively, he rarely cheated the game, showing an awareness that allowed him to intercept passes and transition instantly. With scoring skill, defensive responsibility, and edge-to-edge energy, Dean projects as a high-level contributor who can impact the game in all three zones.
Jackson Liao, RW, Shattuck St. Mary’s 14U AAA
Jackson Liao was a constant blur of motion, using elite puckhandling and speed to dominate transition and create high-danger opportunities. He consistently beat defenders wide before cutting to the slot, showcasing an ability to score in motion or set up teammates with crisp cross-crease passes. His evasiveness in tight areas was a highlight, as he would cut back, weave, and dance away from pressure along the wall, effectively toying with aggressive checkers while maintaining possession.
This wasn’t just a finesse tournament; Liao showed a willingness to get to the hard areas, scoring garbage goals in the slot and creating turnovers on the penalty kill. His ability to maintain his game against tight defensive structures underscores his adaptability and hockey sense. Blending a quick release, relentless forechecking, and the vision to pick the right lanes in transition, Liao delivered a complete performance that highlighted his potential as a dynamic offensive weapon at the next level.
Jayden Ni, RW, St. George’s School U15 Prep
Jayden Ni was a true difference-maker for St. George’s, controlling the pace and driving play on nearly every shift. His shot is quick, versatile, and nearly impossible to contest if given space, but it’s his ability to manipulate defenders that sets him apart. He showed a remarkable knack for chipping pucks over opponents, navigating tight seams in transition, and delivering pinpoint passes to open teammates. Whether on a 2-on-1 or off a faceoff, his combination of hockey IQ and skill makes him a constant dual threat.
Defensively, Ni was just as impactful, dominating on the penalty kill and creating turnovers that immediately turned into dangerous rushes. He is physical enough to withstand contact and elusive enough to frustrate opponents into taking penalties. Ni is the kind of player who impacts every zone, projecting as an A-grade WHL prospect who forces the opposition to account for him whenever he steps over the boards.
Noah Prairie, RD, Bishop Kearney Selects 14U AAA
Noah Prairie delivered an elite shutdown performance, quietly controlling the game without needing to dominate possession in the offensive zone. He was the best defender at the tournament defending the rush, consistently reading plays, staying square, and cutting off options before they became dangerous. His awareness on the penalty kill was impeccable, keeping forwards hemmed in and limiting space with active stick work and smart positioning.
While his offensive game was quiet, his defensive value was undeniable. Prairie consistently blocked passing and shooting lanes, including a diving effort that likely saved a goal. He projects as a top-four blueliner with an elite ability to shut down the opposition’s best players, relying on intelligence and positioning rather than flash to make his mark.
Zachary Pomeroy, LD, Calgary Edge School U15 Prep
Zachary Pomeroy was easily the most commanding defenceman for Calgary Edge, showcasing an impressive blend of size, mobility, and playmaking ability. He drove the game from the back end, using his fluid skating to lead the rush and his first touch to beat defenders at the point. His shot is a legitimate weapon, especially on quick retrievals, and he consistently looked for high-value plays through the middle rather than settling for safe options.
Defensively, Pomeroy displayed poise, using lateral crossovers and a quick stick to defend the rush effectively. While there were moments where a bit more urgency was needed, his recovery and physical engagement along the boards were strong. Pomeroy has all the tools of a first-round talent capable of impacting the game in all three zones.
Rylan Axe, C, Bishop Kearney Selects 14U AAA
Rylan Axe delivered a complete offensive performance, driving play through the middle of the ice with speed and intent. He repeatedly cut through layers of defence in transition, showing the confidence to beat defenders wide or slip through traffic to convert chances himself. His decision-making stood out, as he often drew multiple defenders toward him before subtly moving the puck to open teammates, manipulating coverage to create high-quality looks.
Axe’s game is built on a willingness to get inside. He drove to the slot, fought for position at the net front, and turned rebounds into second-chance offense. Defensively engaged and physical enough to extend possessions along the wall, Axe projects as a 200-foot centre with dual-threat potential, combining playmaking vision with a knack for scoring in traffic.
Cédric Déry, LD, Bishop Kearney Selects 14U AAA
Cédric Déry was a revelation on the Bishop Kearney defence core, showcasing excellent mobility and puckhandling for a defender of his size. He was assertive in transition, weaving through pressure on the rush and turning forecheckers inside out to generate scoring opportunities. His shot from the point was a major factor, highlighted by a game-tying goal off the rush that tied the championship game at 4.
Defensively, Dery played with strength and structure, closing gaps early and using his frame to shut down rushes. He was physical in the slot and behind the net, disrupting opponents and recovering from turnovers with poise. While he occasionally slipped ahead of the play, his combination of size, mobility, and offensive activation projects him as a high-impact defenceman capable of driving play at both ends.
Logan Chang, RD, Burnaby Winter Club U15 Prep
Logan Chang acted as the anchor for the Burnaby blue line, effortlessly balancing the responsibilities of a defensive stopper and a powerplay quarterback. His skating is built on fluidity, allowing him to weave through the neutral zone with deceptive lateral moves that kept attackers guessing at every turn. He consistently looked to activate into all three zones, stepping into the high slot to rip a top shelf snap shot or using a well timed reverse hit to neutralize forecheckers. By moving his feet to open passing lanes rather than staying stationary, Chang proved to be a dual threat defender who possesses the poise and physical capability to impact every facet of the game.
Kai Dingwall, C, Calgary IHA U15 Prep
Kai Dingwall dictated the tempo of play through a poised, 200-foot game that highlighted his maturity as a prototypical centre. He utilized a blend of speed and strength on the rush, often navigating through defenders with slick toe drags and cutbacks while maintaining high end puck control. Beyond his offensive contributions, Dingwall was a force in the defensive zone, using aggressive backchecking and clever steals to reclaim possession for his squad. His ability to position himself effectively in the slot and deliver smart passes under pressure suggests a player with the leadership qualities and all around skill set necessary to thrive at higher levels.
Ryson Barker, RD, Burnaby Winter Club U15 Prep
Ryson Barker provided a masterclass in quiet reliability, leaning on his mobility to stay ahead of the forecheck and shape clean zone exits. He demonstrated exceptional poise behind his own net, utilizing sharp cutbacks to shake pressure before immediately pushing the play forward with smooth, accurate breakout passes. Barker never looked rattled in the neutral zone, connecting on simple but effective passes that maintained his team’s offensive pace. His game is defined by calm footwork and timely engagement, making him the type of mobile defender who makes the game significantly easier for his teammates through consistency and smart timing.
Bretton James, LD, Shattuck St. Mary’s 14U AAA
Bretton James utilized his massive frame and high level hockey IQ to provide a calming influence on the Shattuck defence core. He showed a sophisticated understanding of gap control, closing space on the rush and winning inside body position in the slot without taking unnecessary risks. Despite his size, James moves with efficiency, allowing him to join the rush with purpose and unleash a heavy point shot that consistently threatened the opposition. His game is built on a foundation of structure and physical awareness, projecting him as a reliable two way defenceman who can influence the game in all three zones.
Zylas Gabrio, C, Team Illinois 14U AAA
Zylas Gabrio emerged as one of the most dangerous individual threats in the tournament, characterized by his elite ability to protect the puck under heavy pressure. He repeatedly battled through multiple layers of defence, absorbing contact behind the net while still managing to find teammates with pinpoint cross ice feeds. While he occasionally looked to force plays, his mobility and strength in transition allowed him to enter the offensive zone with confidence and lead the attack. Gabrio’s blend of physical grit and offensive vision makes him a constant threat during entries and a player with high impact potential.
Keatyn Devlin, LW, Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep
Keatyn Devlin was a consistent source of energy for NAX, providing a relentless two way effort that pressured opponents in every corner of the rink. In transition, he showed the skill to step forward with purpose, once slipping through a defender with a slick move to advance the puck deep into the offensive zone. His work along the wall was particularly effective, as he used his puck skills to pull possession into open space and maintain control under pressure. With a reliable approach to the game and strong two way details, Devlin looks like a player whose competitive motor will translate well to the next level.
Masashi Herrmann, RW, Los Angeles Jr. Kings 14U AAA
Masashi Herrmann put on a clinical display of speed and scoring ability, acting as the primary reason for a massive upset over NAX. His elite first step acceleration and high octane pace allowed him to blow past defenders for multiple breakaway goal this tournament. Herrmann’s toolkit is highly dynamic, featuring a lightning quick shot and the vision to intercept passing lanes before flying the other way in transition. Herrmann’s game breaking speed and natural scoring instincts have the potential to make him an offensive weapon at the next level.
Rhys Del Giacco, LD, Shattuck St. Mary’s 14U AAA
Rhys Del Giacco provided a stable and reliable presence, excelling in his ability to neutralize quick forwards and insulate possession. His mobility is a standout trait, particularly on the breakout where sharp cutbacks in the corners allowed him to evade forecheckers and create clean lanes to jumpstart the transition. Defensively, he used his long reach and lateral movement to stay attached to attackers, guiding them away from high danger areas without conceding the middle of the ice. Del Giacco favors composed, high percentage decisions, establishing a clear foundation as a versatile puck moving defenceman.
