NY Islanders prospect Aitcheson primed to make offensive impact for Team Canada

New York Islanders prospect Kashawn Aitcheson is about to live out a dream that’s been stitched into countless Canadian winters — the World Junior Championship, Boxing Day hockey, and the chance to wear the maple leaf when the spotlight is brightest.

“It’s a tournament that you watch growing up every single Boxing Day with your family through the holidays,” Aitcheson told the New York Post in a phone interview with beat reporter Ethan Sears. “It becomes a dream of yours to one day represent your country on a really big stage. This is probably the biggest tournament in the world. Just with all the eyes on you, everything like that, it’s obviously an honor to put on that maple leaf.”

The Barrie Colts defenseman , who was the 17th pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, one of two first-rounders the Isles received from Montreal for Noah Dobson, enters the tournament poised to make a real impact for Team Canada, not just as a steady matchup defender and penalty killer, but as a legitimate offensive threat. Aichenson has already scored 19 goals in the OHL this season — more than any player on Canada’s World Junior roster has produced for their club team — an eye-opening number for a blueliner.

That offensive growth hasn’t happened by accident.

“I think it’s my coaches just trusting me,” Aitcheson said. “Obviously I’ve worked on things in the summer like my shot. Just trying to find offensive spots. But it’s also just trying to round out my game generally. Trying to be a well-rounded player that you play in all situations.”

That versatility is exactly why Aitcheson figures to be leaned on heavily by the Canadian coaching staff. He can be deployed against top lines, eat minutes on the penalty kill, and still jump into the rush or hammer shots from the point when the opportunity presents itself.

For Canada, success at the World Juniors often hinges on defensemen who can do more than just survive — they have to tilt the ice. Aitcheson's blend of physicality, awareness, and confidence with the puck gives him a chance to be one of those difference-makers.