Team Canada has captured back-to-back gold medals at the ISBHF U20 Ball Hockey World Championship, this year in Poprad, Slovakia, and Martensville’s own Rylan Pearce played a key role in the victory.
Canada defeated Czechia 8-7 in a thrilling overtime final on July 7. The Canadians appeared to be in full control with a 7-3 lead, but the Czechs stormed back with four unanswered goals to force extra time. In the end, Canada sealed the deal in sudden death to defend their world title.
Pearce, a 19-year-old defenceman for the WHL’s Everett Silvertips, finished the tournament with two points (1G–1A) in six games. His biggest moment came in the semifinal, where he scored a crucial powerplay goal in Canada’s 4-2 win over the United States on July 4.
Pearce is coming off a strong WHL season, recording 16 points (5G–11A) while helping Everett capture the 2025 Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy as regular season champions. He was also named the Silvertips’ Unsung Hero for his reliable two-way play. Despite having only played competitive ball hockey for just over a year, Pearce has already competed at the Junior Nationals, men’s “A” level, and will represent Saskatchewan again this August at the CBHA Super Nationals in Mississauga.
Joining Pearce on Team Canada was Justice Christensen, captain of the Prince Albert Raiders. Christensen also wore the “C” for Canada at the tournament and was named Top Defender, finishing with one goal and seven assists in five games.
In total, five CHL players helped Canada capture gold, including Matteo Rotondi (Drummondville Voltigeurs), Kyle Morey (Kitchener Rangers/Barrie Colts/Baie-Comeau Drakkar), and Blair Scott (Kitchener Rangers/Barrie Colts/Niagara IceDogs).
Throughout the tournament, Team Canada also paid tribute to the late Logan Schatz, a former national ball hockey team member and Martensville High School alumnus, by keeping his jersey on the bench.
