Vancouver Canucks defence prospect Sawyer Mynio got some exciting news recently.
The 19-year-old was invited to Canada’s World Juniors training camp roster. He’s one of just 10 defencemen on this preliminary roster.
Multiple outlets have projected Mynio to make the final team and compete for his country at this year’s tournament in Ottawa. The Kamloops, BC, native is one of the best blueliners in the WHL and has four goals and 13 assists for 17 points in 15 games so far this season.
The Canucks originally drafted Mynio in the third round back in the summer of 2023. The player has been a riser in the organization ever since and was singled out for praise by head coach Rick Tocchet back in training camp.
Canada’s World Junior camp roster. pic.twitter.com/0iZcq4Rs4Y
— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) December 2, 2024
Mynio has missed the last nine games of the WHL schedule with an injury but is expected to recover before the tournament begins. He beat out several top defence draft picks, including Zayne Parekh and Carter Yakemchuk, for a spot on this roster.
The Canadians weren’t the only ones to release their camp roster today. The Americans did as well, although it contained no Canucks.
Mynio is expected to be joined by top Canucks prospect Tom Willander, who will certainly play for Sweden. The Boston University defenceman played for Sweden at last year’s event and will surely lock down a top-four role this year.
There’s a chance that Willander could be joined on that Swedish roster by prospect Melvin Fernstrom. Fernstrom did play in the Summer Showcase event, where prospects are evaluated for the World Juniors. However, the skilled winger is still young and is far from a lock to receive an invite.
The tournament kicks off on Boxing Day when Canada takes on Finland and Sweden plays Slovakia.