BURSTRed Deer and Edmonton will team up to host the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship.
On Tuesday, Nov. 18, Hockey Canada, it partnership with the Canadian Hockey League and International Ice Hockey Federation, announced the annual U20 tournament will return to Alberta from Dec. 26, 2026 to Jan. 5, 2027.
The successful bid represents a partnership between OEG Sports and Entertainment, the Red Deer Rebels, Hockey Alberta, the Cities of Edmonton and Red Deer, and the Province of Alberta, which made an $11 million commitment in February 2024 to host events in communities throughout the province.
“We are excited to bring the IIHF World Junior Championship back to Edmonton and Red Deer, and to give hockey fans in Alberta and across the country the opportunity to watch the top under-20 players compete for a gold medal right here in Canada,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact with Hockey Canada.
“Both cities have been successful hosts of IIHF and other high-profile international events, and we know our partners in Edmonton and Red Deer will host a world-class event for players, teams, fans and volunteers alike.”
The 18,500-seat Rogers Place, home of the National Hockey League’s Edmonton Oilers and WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings, will serve as the primary competition venue and host 17 games, including both semifinals and the medal games. The additional 14 games are set for the 7,050-seat Marchant Crane Centrium, home of the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels.
“Alberta is ready to welcome visitors from around the world for the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship,” said Andrew Boitchenko, minister of tourism and sport for Alberta.
“This event celebrates the spirit of international competition and our province’s passion for hockey, while showcasing Alberta as a world-class destination for sporting events.”
Edmonton last hosted the IIHF World Junior Championship in August 2022, which was rescheduled from its traditional winter slot due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Red Deer was the co-host for the originally scheduled tournament. Red Deer also hosted the event in 1995.
“We are proud to welcome the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship back to our region,” said Jesse Smith, chief executive officer of Tourism Red Deer.
“Red Deer’s love for the game and our hospitality will ensure an unforgettable experience for every athlete and fan.”
Pre-tournament games for the 2027 World Juniors are expected to take place throughout Alberta, allowing fans across the province to watch the best junior hockey players from 10 countries before the puck officially drops in Edmonton and Red Deer on Boxing Day.
With demand for tickets expected to exceed availability, more information about a priority ticket draw and tournament ticket packages will be announced in the coming months. Fans looking to receive updates about the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship as soon as they become available can sign up to become a Hockey Canada Insider today.
“We are beyond excited for our fans, partners and community to once again welcome the hockey world to Red Deer,” said Merrick Sutter, senior vice-president of the Red Deer Rebels.
“This is a community that loves events, and we know their passion will be on full display once again next December.”
The tournament is projected to generate more than $15 million dollars in visitor spend across Alberta. Red Deer can expect approximately $3 million of that visitor spend and over 4,000 out of town visitors, locally, during this tournament, Tourism Red Deer stated.
“Westerner Park is proud to host a portion of the IIHF World Junior Championship at the Marchant Crane Centrium,” said Shelly Flint, Westerner Park CEO.
“This event highlights the importance of sport in our community and provides a valuable opportunity to showcase the strength of our facilities. It is an honour to support world-class competition in Central Alberta.”