Wheelchair Basketball Canada has revealed the lineups for its men’s and women’s teams set to compete in the upcoming world championships in Ottawa. The women’s team will feature key players such as Kady Dandeneau, Melanie Hawtin, Puisand Lai, Tara Llanes, Cindy Ouellet, Tamara Steeves, Elodie Tessier, and Arinn Young, all of whom were part of the fourth-place Paralympic squad in 2024. Additionally, Elise Froese, Rosie Long, Mercy Nyakundi, and Bethany Johnson have been selected to join the team.
In the 2022 championships, Canada finished fifth, with their last podium appearance dating back to 2014 when the women clinched gold in Toronto. Meanwhile, the men’s team includes seven players who have previous experience from 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 supported by newcomers Josh Brown, Ibrahim Odza, Kyrell Sopotyk, Lionel Tamoki, and Brandon Louie.
The Canadian men, who secured sixth place in the 2022 worlds, last claimed gold in 2006. The tournament, scheduled from Sept. 9-19, will play a crucial role in determining the allocation of spots each zone will receive for the 2028 Paralympic Games.
