Aasman, Anholt Named to World Under-18 Championship Canadian coaching staff

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“We want to sincerely congratulate both Matt and Ryan on being selected to represent Canada at the U18 World Championships. This is an outstanding and well-earned opportunity and to be a part of Team Canada at this level speaks volumes about the reputation they’ve built and the trajectory they are on in our game,” said Hurricanes Interim General Manager Barclay Parneta who has also represented Hockey Canada at various levels during his career.

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Aasman, 34, will also serve as a video coach for the World U18 Championship. The Hurricanes say he will represent Hockey Canada for the second time after first serving as a video coach for Canada Red at the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in Langley, British Columbia, where he captured a Silver medal. He also worked as a camp coach at the 2025 U17 development camp in Calgary.

The Medicine Hat, AB, native was originally hired by the Hurricanes as a video coach prior to the 2021-2022 season. Aasman has spent the last five seasons with the ‘Canes, with the last four as an assistant coach.

Prior to joining the Hurricanes, team officials note that Aasman served as the head coach of the Calgary Northstars U18 AAA team after one year with the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Grande Prairie Stom where he served as Interim Head Coach.

“We are incredibly proud of both Matt and Ryan and know that they will not only contribute to Canada’s success, but also return with invaluable experience, knowledge and perspective that will have a direct and lasting impact on the continued growth and development of the Lethbridge Hurricanes,” added Parneta.

Hurricanes officials say Anholt and Aasman will serve on the Canadian coaching staff under former St. Lous Blues head coach Drew Bannister who will serve as head coach.

Moose Jaw Warriors head coach Mark O’Leary and Kamloops Blazers goaltending coach Dan De Palma have also been named to the staff. In addition, Red Deer Rebels athletic therapist Terence Robertson will serve on the staff.

Officials point out that Canada will look for its third-straight gold medal at the World U18 Championship having won the tournament in 2024 and 2025.

Since it’s inception in 1999, Canada has won the World U18 Championship on six occasions (2003, 2008, 2013, 2021, 2024 and 2025).

The 2026 IIHF World Under-18 Championships will take place in Trencin and Bratislava, Slovakia beginning on Wednesday, April 22 to Sunday, May 2.

Hurricanes officials say season tickets for the 2025-2026 season, which will mark the Hurricanes 40th Anniversary season in Lethbridge, are now on sale with Loyalty Pricing available until July 2 at 5:00pm.

Premium season tickets are also available for an additional $250 per seat. Season Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Yates Memorial Theatre and VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or online at www.visitlethbridgearena.ca.