Reid willing to do whatever it takes to help Canada

Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

Despite being away from his club team while attending Hockey Canada’s national junior team selection camp, Cameron Reid still found himself back at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.

Team Canada opened its pre-tournament schedule with a 2–1win over Sweden on Wednesday night in Kitchener.

“It's really electric. Every game I’ve played in the Aud has been one of the best,” Reid said. “It's better each time.”

The 18-year-old defenceman arrived at the Gale Centre in Niagara Falls as one of the league’s most productive blueliners. Through 28 games this season with Kitchener, the right-shot blueliner has 29 points, including nine goals.

His strong two-way game and skating earned him a first-round selection, 21st overall, by the Nashville Predators in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

Fellow Predators prospect Brady Martin scored both of Canada’s goals in the exhibition opener, while Owen Sound Attack netminder Carter George made 19 saves in the win.

“He’s a great person and a great player,” Reid said of Martin. “I love him, and I know everyone loves him. He's just an amazing guy, and we're fortunate to have him here.”

Canada’s pre-tournament schedule continues Saturday with a rematch against Sweden in London, Ontario, before the team heads to Minnesota to face Denmark ahead of the World Juniors which begin on Boxing Day.

For the Kitchener Rangers captain, competing at selection camp alongside the country’s top junior players has been a valuable learning experience.

“I think for sure you can learn from everyone,” Reid said. “It's just great to have all these different personalities and leadership styles. Everyone has a different story and comes from a different background. All these guys have different teams and different players that they deal with, and to have it all gel in one is kind of cool.”

The Aylmer, Ontario native also has experience winning with Team Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. After last year’s fifth-place, he is focused on helping Canada medal.

“I just want to show that I want it, I’m competitive, and that I’m a guy who’s going to help the team win,” Reid said.“ At the end of the day, I just want to win a gold medal. It's been a dream for me ever since I can remember, and I want them to know I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win.”