#team-canada

#team-canada

When it comes to former Toronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin, he was a popular fan favourite that the entire nation of Canada had grown to adore during his time with the ballclub. After all, Martin helped lead the Blue Jays to two exciting postseason runs during his tenure with the team. Despite being with Toronto for only four years, many felt that he had been with the Blue Jays his whole life considering his Canadian roots. Well, Martin will have the Canadian fans behind him once again in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic as he return to the coaching staff for Team Canada in the tournament.

Taillon, who was born in Lakeland, Florida and went to school in Texas, holds Canadian citizenship thanks to his parents, who were both born in the Great White North. He also has numerous family ties from coast to coast and he repped Canada at the 2013 World Baseball Classic, the youngest player on the team at 21. Taillon has not represented the nation at the following tournaments since.

It's getting to be tradition, it seems. When Canada takes to the ice in best-on-best competition, the country stands up a little straighter, red maple leafed jerseys become acceptable work attire(and invitations for high-fives from strangers, naturally), the water cooler becomes a daily hotstove to discuss powerplay formations and goaltending development, and gold is the only acceptable shade of medal.

Here are the 2⃣5⃣ players who will wear the 🍁 at #MilanoCortina2026! 🇨🇦 Voici les 2⃣5⃣ joueurs qui porteront la 🍁 à Milan-Cortina! 🇨🇦 ROSTER: hc.hockey/OLYMRoster26 FORMATION : hc.hockey/FormationOLYM26@TeamCanada | @Equipe_Canada

A third Chicago Cubs player has committed to play in the World Baseball Classic, though this time it's not for Team USA. Owen Caissie will represent Team Canada in the 2026 WBC, marking his second time on their roster. He recorded three hits across Canada's three games, including a home run. He also drew a walk and struck out twice.