COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Six members of the Columbus Blue Jackets organization are set to participate in the 2025 IIHF World Championships.
Head coach Dean Evason and assistant coach Steve McCarthy, along with forwards Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson, will represent Canada. Defenseman Zach Werenski will play for the United States, and prospect Samuel Knazko will represent Slovakia.
Evason, who led the Blue Jackets to a 40-33-9 record in his first season as head coach, will serve as Canada’s head coach. He previously served as an assistant coach at the 2024 tournament and has a storied history with Team Canada, including captaining the team to a gold medal at the 1997 IIHF World Championship.
McCarthy, making his international coaching debut, will assist Evason. He previously won two bronze medals as a player at the IIHF World Junior Championships.
Fantilli, 20, will skate for Canada in his second IIHF World Championships. He led the Blue Jackets in goals this past season and has registered 43 goals and 38 assists in 131 career NHL games.
Johnson, 22, will also represent Canada, having previously earned a silver medal in 2022. He ranked third on the Blue Jackets in goals and points this past season.
Werenski, 27, will compete for the United States in his third IIHF World Championships. He was a finalist for the 2024-25 Norris Trophy and set franchise records among defensemen in goals, assists, and points.
Knazko, 22, will represent Slovakia, having participated in numerous international tournaments. He made his NHL debut at the end of the 2022-23 season and has played in 149 career AHL games with the Cleveland Monsters.
The IIHF World Championships will take place from May 9 to 25 in Stockholm, Sweden, and Herning, Denmark.