World Juniors dream becomes reality for Aitcheson

Natalie Shaver/OHL Images

For as long as he can remember, Kashawn Aitcheson spent his Christmas holidays watching the World Junior Championship.

Now, the Barrie Colts defenceman is living it.

“It’s obviously been super fun and super intense. We’re working every day to achieve the main goal, but we’re taking it day by day right now,” Aitcheson said. “Growing up watching the World Juniors, it’s been the thing you do every Christmas with your family. So being here and able to throw on the Canadian leaf, is obviously an honour. It’s super special every single time, and I’m just excited to get going.”

Selected 17th overall by the New York Islanders at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, Aitcheson arrived at Hockey Canada’s camp as one of junior hockey’s most productive defencemen. The 18-year-old leads all OHL blueliners with 19 goals, including a league-best 11 power-play markers.

Through 27 games, the Toronto, Ontario native has 32 points.

Despite his offensive numbers, Aitcheson remains focused on playing a strong defensive and physical game.

“Play my game,” he said. “Get under guys’ skin, play smart, play structured, be physical, and make good plays with the puck. If the play is there to jump in, make it, but really dial in on shutting down their top guys.”

Aitcheson is joined at camp by Barrie co-captain Cole Beaudoin, who represented Canada at last year’s tournament.

“He’s one of my best buddies, so having him around, obviously he's been through it last year,” Aitcheson said. “Having someone to lean on and help guide me. He’s a great leader, a great guy, and a great teammate, and I love working with him.”

The hard-hitting defenceman is no stranger to international pressure having helped Canada win gold at the under-18 World Championship.

“The support has been unreal,” Aitcheson said. “Kids skipping school to come watch a practice, it’s really cool. It really goes to show you how much your country gets behind you and how big and elite of an event this is.”

With that support comes expectation.

“We don’t want to let our country down,” he said. “We’ve only got one option and that's bring home the gold.”