The province of Alberta has been selected to host one of the world's most prestigious hockey tournaments. Edmonton and Red Deer will co-host the 2027 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, marking a return to the region that previously staged the event during the challenging 2022 season.
Tournament Details and Schedule
The championship will run from December 26, 2026, through January 5, 2027, bringing the world's best under-20 hockey talent to Alberta during the holiday season. This timing traditionally creates an exciting atmosphere for both local fans and visitors attending the games.
The official announcement was made during a Tuesday morning event at Rogers Place in Edmonton, where tournament organizers revealed the hosting plans to the public and media representatives.
Partnership and Venue Information
The successful bid represents a collaborative effort between multiple organizations including Oilers Entertainment Group, the Red Deer Rebels, Hockey Alberta, municipal governments of both Edmonton and Red Deer, and the provincial government of Alberta.
Rogers Place in Edmonton will serve as the primary venue for the tournament, hosting the semifinal and medal games along with other key matchups. The facility has previously demonstrated its capability to host major international hockey events.
Financial Commitment and Economic Impact
The Alberta government demonstrated early support for bringing major sporting events to the province with an $11-million commitment made in early 2024. This funding was specifically allocated to host events in communities throughout Alberta, with the World Junior Championship representing a significant beneficiary of this initiative.
This marks the second time in recent years that the Alberta tandem will welcome the world junior tournament, having previously hosted in 2022 under the unique circumstances of COVID-19 restrictions and cancellations that affected the global sporting calendar.
The partnership between the two cities leverages Edmonton's major arena infrastructure and Red Deer's central Alberta location to create an accessible tournament experience for hockey fans across the province and beyond.
