Canada’s Brady Martin leaves semifinal game against Czechia with injury

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Canada has lost one of its biggest weapons in its biggest game of the 2026 World Junior Championship thus far.

Nashville Predators prospect Brady Martin has been ruled out of the remainder of Canada’s semifinal game against Czechia after suffering an injury in the first period.

Martin was seen favoring his right shoulder following a hit near the Canadian net. He did not join the team on the bench for the second period.

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Brady Martin in lots of pain on the Canadian bench after a huge hit on Matyas Man

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Canada elected to go with 12 forwards and eight defensemen on Sunday, while most teams ice 13 forwards and seven defenders for a bit of extra flexibility at each position. Coach Dale Hunter decided to blend lines with Martin out, trying different combinations. Canada did not take a single shot in the first half of the second period.

Martin has been one of Canada’s most important players, entering Sunday’s contest with four goals and eight points. Martin had a two-point performance against Czechia in the first round-robin game, and had at least one point in four of his five games played to date.

Martin has played for Canada internationally in three prior events, winning gold twice. The hard-nosed forward had 11 points in seven games at the 2025 U-18s, helping the team win gold against Sweden. Martin had two goals in the finale, saving his best performance for last.

Drafted fifth overall by the Predators in June, Martin started the season as Nashville’s No. 1 center, but only played three games. Back in the OHL, the Greyhounds captain has 16 points in 13 games. He had 33 goals and 72 points during his draft season, with scouts praising his physicality and offensive capabilities.

Canada will play in either the gold or bronze medal game on Monday evening in St. Paul, Minnesota.

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