OTTAWA – Matthew Schaefer, one of Canada’s top defensemen at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship and a top prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft, was injured during Friday night’s game against Latvia with an apparent upper-body injury.

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Schaefer left the ice after crashing hard into the post on a rush during a Canadian power play in the first period. He was part of Canada’s starting lineup and had played just over two minutes in the game before heading down the tunnel and did not return.

Update from @HockeyCanada : Matthew Schaefer will not return to tonight’s game.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) December 28, 2024

The 17-year-old Erie Otters defenseman had two points in Canada’s opening-night win over Finland, including a rink-long empty-net goal to seal the 4-0 victory and an assist on their opening goal. He was also one of only three Team Canada defensemen to play more than 20 minutes in the game.

Despite his youth, Schaefer was looking poised to be a huge part of Team Canada’s plans in the tournament.

It is too early to say what this means for the rest of Schaefer’s tournament. Canada has registered seven defensemen for the tournament. They have two open roster spots for skaters still and Sawyer Mynio (VAN) is with the team but has not been registered on the final roster yet. Canada would also have the option to bring in another player if they felt Mynio wasn't the right fit with one of their power play defensmen sidelined. The team also has not registered forward Carson Rehkopf (SEA), who is a returnee from last year's team. Until those players are registered, anyone from outside the team could potentially be added depending on what the team needs.

The IIHF allows 25 players to be registered to the roster now, which is in line with its Men’s World Championship. This is the first year of that kind of roster flexibility at the World Juniors.

This story will be updated when more is known about Schaefer’s outlook for the remainder of the tournament.

Team Canada World Junior Championship Schedule

Thurs., Dec. 26

• Canada 4, Finland 0

Fri., Dec. 27

• Canada vs. Latvia, 7:30 p.m. ET

Sun., Dec. 29

• Canada vs. Germany, 5:30 p.m. ET

Tues., Dec. 31

• Canada vs. USA, 6:00 p.m. ET

Thurs., Jan. 2

• Quarterfinal & Relegation Games, Times TBD

Sat., Jan. 4

• Semifinal Games, Times TBD

Sun., Jan. 5

• Bronze Medal Game, Time TBD
• Gold Medal Game, Time TBD

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