WSWC NAMES 2026 JUNIOR CANADIAN NATIONAL WATER SKI TEAM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada Names 2026 Junior Canadian National Water Ski Team
Rising Canadian athletes selected to represent Canada in U21 and U17 competition
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 19, 2026 – Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) has announced the athletes selected to the 2026 Junior Canadian National Water Ski Team. These athletes earned their selection through strong performances at national and international competitions and represent the next generation of Canadian athletes competing on the world stage.
The Junior National Team program recognizes top Canadian athletes in the Under-21 (U21) and Under-17 (U17) divisions, supporting their development as they progress along Canada’s high-performance pathway. Many of Canada’s top senior national team athletes first represented the country through the Junior National Team program.
Several athletes on the 2026 roster delivered standout performances during the 2025 season. Nellie Allard placed third in Jump at the 2025 IWWF U21 World Waterski Championships. Jacob Chambers earned bronze in Jump and Overall at the 2025 Jr. Pan Am Games, marking the first time water skiing was included in the Jr. Pan Am Games. Kate Pinsonneault won Jump at the 2025 Jr. Pan Am Games and also placed third in Jump at the 2025 Jr. Masters.
The 2026 Junior Canadian National Water Ski Team reflects both experienced junior athletes and emerging competitors who continue to strengthen Canada’s presence internationally.
The athletes selected to the 2026 Junior Canadian National Water Ski Team are:
U21 Athletes
- Nellie Allard – Saint-Donat, QC
- Carly Bonham – Calgary, AB
- Jacob Chambers – Victoria, BC
- Easton Graves – Halifax, NS
- Evan Kraus – Edmonton, AB
- Enzo Kristian – Saskatoon, SK
- Darah Lachance – Hammonds Plains, NS
- Megan Pelkey – Bragg Creek, AB
- Kate Pinsonneault – Penticton, BC
U17 Athletes
- Matthew Baxter – Burlington, ON
- Ryan Cresswell – Brooklin, ON
- Asher Dixon – Kamloops, BC
- Ethan Kuntz – Conestogo, ON
- Jacob Kuntz – Conestogo, ON
- Sophie Strilchuk – Lloydminster, AB (represents Saskatchewan)
- Jace Townsend – Ontario
- Reese Townsend – Ontario
- Anna Wheeler – Thornhill, ON
All nine U17 athletes will be making their World Championships debut next month at the 2026 IWWF World U17 Waterski Championships, marking an important milestone in their development on the international stage. The event will provide these athletes with the opportunity to compete against the world’s best junior competitors while representing Canada internationally.
“These athletes represent the future of Canadian water skiing, and the 2026 Junior National Team reflects the strength of the talent coming through our high-performance pathway,” said Kyle Hunter, High-Performance Director & Sport Coordinator for Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada. “We are proud of what this group has already accomplished and look forward to supporting them as they represent Canada this season.”
These athletes will compete at major national and international events throughout the 2026 season, representing Canada at junior championships and other leading competitions.
About Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) is the national governing body for towed water sports in Canada, including water skiing, wakeboarding, and wakesurfing. WSWC supports athletes from grassroots participation through high-performance competition and oversees national teams representing Canada at international events.
Nellie Allard to Compete for Team Canada at 2025 World U21 Waterski Championships
Photo by Johnny Hayward
Water Ski Canada is proud to announce that Nellie Allard, from Saint-Donat, Quebec, will represent Team Canada at the 2025 IWWF World U21 Waterski Championships. The event will take place from July 31 to August 3, 2025, at the Predator Bay Water Ski Club at Lakes of Kastynstone in Calgary, Alberta, where over 100 athletes from 20+ countries will compete.
Nellie, who has been competing for 15 years, will participate in Slalom, Trick, and Jump, with her individual scores contributing to the Overall competition. Her accomplishments include:
- Junior World Jump Champion
- 4th place at University Worlds in Jump
- 1st and 2nd in Jump at Junior Masters
- 2 Canadian records in Jump
Nellie’s passion for waterskiing began when her father, who ran a water ski school, introduced her to the sport. “My dad always had a water ski school, and that’s how my parents met. My whole family does a lot of water skiing, so I grew up around it and always wanted to do it,” Nellie reflects.
In addition to water skiing, Nellie competed in snow skiing for 13 years before deciding to focus exclusively on water skiing. One of her favorite water ski memories is skiing with friends and family, often before school or in quiet mornings before the ski school kids arrived.
Looking ahead to the 2025 U21 Worlds, Nellie is aiming to achieve a personal best or come close to it. Her goal is to make the finals in both Slalom and Jump, but above all, she aims to push herself to the maximum and enjoy the experience.
Nellie is part of the 6-person team representing Canada in the quest for the Overall Team Title. The event promises to bring high-speed action and remarkable performances, and Nellie will play a crucial role in Team Canada’s efforts for the top spot.
Thank You to Sponsors and Supporters:
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada would like to extend its sincere thanks to all sponsors and supporters who have made this event possible. Special thanks to the Government of Alberta, Tourism Calgary, Shuswap Ski and Board, Nautique Boats, IWWF, and Masterline for their continued support.
2024 CANADIAN JUNIOR NATIONAL WATER SKI TEAM
Professional Headshots: Johnny Hayward Photography
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is excited to announce the 2024 Canadian Jr. National Water Ski Team. This team is composed of 11 exceptional athletes from 6 provinces.
Introducing the 2024 Canadian Jr. National Water Ski Team:
Nellie Allard, QC
Carly Bonham, AB
Jacob Chambers, BC
Sean Kraus, AB
Evan Kraus, AB
Darah LaChance, NS
Carter Lucas, SK
Megan Pelkey, AB
Lucas Pinette, BC
Kate Pinsonneault, BC
Ben Wheeler, ON
Congratulations to these remarkable athletes for their hard work and determination in earning their spots on the team.
TWO CANADIANS ARE ON THE PODIUM AT THE 30TH JR. MASTERS
Hannah Stopnicki Tricking at the 2022 Jr. Masters
Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography
Two Canadians are on the podium at the 30th Jr. Masters. Hannah Stopnicki (QC) and Megan Pelkey (AB) have placed 1st and 3rd, respectively in the Jr. Women’s Trick event. Megan scored 6,280 points in the semifinals round to punch her ticket into the finals. Hannah scored 6,510 points in the semifinals round to punch her ticket into the finals as top seed.
In the finals, Megan scored 4,970 points to secure 3rd place and Hannah scored 5960 points to win the title of Jr. Masters Champion. USA’s Alexia Abelson placed 2nd with a score of 5620 points. These three skiers are the same skiers who placed in the same order at the 2022 U17 World Championships.
Fellow Canadian Nellie Allard (QC) also competed in the Jr. Women’s Trick event and placed 8th with a score of 2,980 points.
In the Jr. Men’s Trick event, Canada’s Lucas Pinette (BC) scored 6,220 points and placed 6th. Jake Abelson (USA) placed 1st, Matias Gonzalez (CHI) placed 2nd and Tristan Duplan-Fribourg (FRA) placed 3rd in Jr. Men’s Trick.
The Jr. Masters features the best Junior water skiers from around the world. The Masters is considered one of the most prestigious watersports events throughout the world. The Masters is held on Robin Lake in Callaway Gardens. The lake was built specifically for the Masters competition which is held every year on Memorial Day weekend.
For results and live webcast, visit https://www.masterswaterski.com/
Megan Pelkey Tricking at the 2022 Jr. Masters
Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography