Saskatoon, SK – As the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minneapolis, USA, approaches, the Saskatoon Blades are set to have a strong presence on Team Germany, with three of their players potentially competing for the nation. Forwards David Lewandowski and Dustin Willhöft have already been named to Germany's preliminary roster. Earlier in December, the Blades acquired forward Elias from the Spokane Chiefs, further solidifying the team's representation on the German national junior team.
David Lewandowski, an 18-year-old left winger, is a fourth-round draft pick (117th overall) by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 177 pounds, Lewandowski currently leads the Saskatoon Blades with 32 points in 28 games. The Dusseldorf native is considered a lock for Team Germany, after making the team as a 17-year-old last year. Last year, Lewandowski made his World Junior debut and was one of the youngest players on the team. Despite his age, he led Germany in scoring after four games, including an unassisted goal against the USA. He also played in the U18 Division 1A team, helping them win gold in 2024 and earn a promotion to the top group. Lewandowski was drafted by the Blades in the second round (120th overall) of the 2024 Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Import Draft.
Dustin Willhöft, also a forward for the Blades, joins Lewandowski on the preliminary roster. Willhöft also captured gold with Lewandowski at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship Division 1A.
The addition of Elias to the Blades roster earlier this month further strengthens the connection between the team and the German national junior program.
Having multiple players from the same junior team can provide a significant advantage in a short tournament like the World Juniors, where chemistry and familiarity are crucial. National junior team head coach Tobias Abstreiter has emphasized the importance of experience and current form in the roster selection. With Lewandowski and Willhöft having played together in Saskatoon, and Elias now joining them, Germany aims to capitalize on their established understanding and teamwork.
Lewandowski is expected to play a premier role for Germany, a team that has historically been closer to the middle of the pack in the World Juniors. He is one of only three NHL-affiliated prospects on the team, along with defenseman Carlos Händel (Montreal Canadiens) and winger Maxim Schäfer (Washington Capitals).
The Saskatoon Blades will also benefit from having three players competing at the World Juniors. The experience gained in a high-pressure environment can translate to improved performance and leadership within the Blades organization.
Germany's preliminary roster includes 25 players, with three players who were chosen in the past summer's NHL Entry Draft. Sixteen-year-old center Max Penkin, who is not eligible to be drafted until 2027, is also on the list. 12 players are returning from last year's World Championship squad.
