Yesterday I commented on the annual youth movement reflected on Canada’s and the US’ World Championship rosters. In keeping with this tradition is the presence of University of Michigan goaltender Jack Ivankovic (NSH) on Canada’s 2026 roster.
Ivankovic was exceptional between the pipes this past season for the Wolverines. The freshman sensation posted a record of 25-8-1, together with a .921 save percentage and 2.15 goals against average. Perhaps most importantly for Wolverines fans, he led Michigan to the #1 regular season ranking, as well as a berth in the NCAA’s Frozen Four finale. All of this happened in what was supposed to be a down year in Ann Arbor.
In the 2026-27 season, Ivankovic’s primary rival will be Michigan State University goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen (SJS). He will man the crease in East Lansing following the departure to the professional ranks of the highly-decorated Trey Augustine (DET). While the Augustine loss certainly will be felt, MSU should see no drop-off in its goaltending play. Competing for Prince George in the WHL in 2025-26, Ravensbergen posted a regular-season best save percentage (.919) en route to being named the WHL Goaltender of the Year (Del Wilson Trophy).
Ivankovic and Ravensbergen will have to put their swords away for several weeks this winter. Presumably, they will be teammates for Canada’s World Junior Team in late December/early January.