IIHF World Junior Championship Returns to Alberta

EDMONTON – The world’s best junior hockey players will be skating for gold on Alberta ice at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship.

From Hockey Canada:

Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), has awarded the 45th edition of the international tournament to the cities of Edmonton and Red Deer.

“To return to Alberta is an incredible opportunity for Hockey Canada and the IIHF World Junior Championship,” said Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer of Hockey Canada. “The province of Alberta and the cities of Edmonton and Red Deer have a history of hosting successful, world-class events, including the 1995 IIHF World Junior Championship in Red Deer, the 2012 edition of the tournament in Edmonton and the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup last summer. We are confident in this committee’s ability to successfully execute on its vision for the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, and we look forward to working with them to ensure we leave a lasting legacy in Alberta and across the country that helps us continue to grow and foster the game from the grassroots to elite levels.”

Smith was chair of the site-selection committee, which also included Hockey Canada CEO Tom Renney, former Hockey Canada board chair Joe Drago and CHL president David Branch, and was supported by Dean McIntosh, vice-president of events and properties for Hockey Canada as the committee’s resource staff.

Hockey Canada has played host to the IIHF World Junior Championship 12 times in the tournament’s 41-year history; the 13th IIHF World Junior Championship on Canadian ice officially kicks off this month in Vancouver and Victoria. Organizers of the 2021 tournament will take part in the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship as part of the preparation and planning for Edmonton and Red Deer.

Leading the committee are Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) in partnership with the City of Edmonton, and the Red Deer Rebels Hockey Club in partnership with the City of Red Deer.

“Oilers Entertainment Group is thrilled to be able to continue our partnership with Hockey Canada, this time to help bring the IIHF World Junior Championship to Edmonton and Red Deer,” said Bob Nicholson, OEG CEO & vice chair. “We are continuing to build Edmonton’s international reputation as a destination for hockey and we know the hockey fans in our community will be excited to cheer on Team Canada on home ice.”

“On behalf of the Rebels organization, the City of Red Deer, our partners at Westerner Park and all junior hockey fans across Central Alberta, we are beyond excited to bring the IIHF World Junior Championship back to our community,” said Brent Sutter, owner, general manager and head coach of the Red Deer Rebels. “This marquee event was a game-changer for the region in 1995, and we’re sure fans from around the world will be embraced once again.”

“As a site-selection committee, finding the optimal site for the IIHF World Junior Championship is always our priority,” said Branch. As a partner, the CHL is instrumental in the hosting of the IIHF World Junior Championship on Canadian ice, sharing in the event legacy for the development of high-performance junior hockey across the country, and lending its players, coaches and support staff to participating teams. “The interest and excitement to host this special event remains high as we look to 2021 and beyond. Today is about celebrating the selection of Edmonton and Red Deer as co-hosts in 2021 and the teams, volunteers, staff and fans who will make the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship in Vancouver and Victoria an unforgettable experience beginning later this month.”

The Government of Alberta has committed its support to the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship.

“Alberta’s towns and cities are rich with hockey culture and our government is proud to support the 2021 World Juniors,” said the Honourable Ricardo Miranda, minister of culture and tourism for the Government of Alberta. “These championships will bring top-notch athletes and tourists from around the world to explore our beautiful province. This is an incredible opportunity for Alberta and I know co-hosting the games in Edmonton and Red Deer will be a winning combination.”

The 2021 World Juniors will be co-hosted at Rogers Place, the home of the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers and Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL), and at the ENMAX Centrium, home of the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels with regional economic impact expected to exceed $50-million.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Red Deer again after a great Hlinka Gretzky Cup this summer,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “We’re looking forward to showcasing our outstanding hosting skills as well as Edmonton’s Rogers Place and Ice District to the world. Events like this have a significant local economic impact that will benefit Edmontonians and allow them to enjoy their ongoing love for hockey.”

"World Juniors is more than a hockey tournament. It is our national tradition. Red Deer is honoured to be a partner host City for the 2020/2021 World Juniors, especially given our strong community history of hosting Juniors in 1995", said Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer. "We will build on this proud heritage with our government and hockey partners. Hockey Canada, the Oilers Entertainment Group and the Red Deer Rebels are to be applauded for the hockey and Canadian history we are writing today, and for the opportunity they have secured for us".

Tickets for the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship will be available to Edmonton Oilers, Oil Kings and Rebels season-seat holders in the spring. Tickets will go on sale to the public at a later date.

A legacy plan for potential profits from the event will provide for grassroots hockey program support across the province and throughout Hockey Canada’s 13 regional members, as well as the CHL. A portion of the profits are used by the IIHF to grow the game internationally.

Alberta’s hockey community is always at its best during the holiday season, and we’ve asked Minor Hockey Associations and teams from across Alberta to share their stories of giving back to the community with us. If you would like to share your team’s story of giving back during the holidays, please email [email protected] with details and photos.

Airdrie Midget Elite Lightning

The Airdrie Midget Elite Lightning of the Alberta Female Hockey League, along with the Airdrie Female Atom teams collected donations to purchase 1,015 turkeys to donate to the Airdrie Food Bank.

Brooks Prairie Thunder Atom Female

The Brooks Prairie Thunder Atom Female team volunteered their time at a long-term care nursing home, decorating crafts and ginerbread houses with the residents, helping get them into the holiday spirit.

Duchess Minor Hockey

"Duchess Minor Hockey hosted "Hockey Day in Duchess" where all of our league teams played in a single day."

"We had a lot of fun things going on, such as a "fill the net" food bank and toy drive, a teddy bear toss, Santa selling 50/50, Christmas themed raffle items, donated baking for sale and a pancake breakfast."

"All of the proceeds from the pancakes, baking and raffle table were being given to the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program, and all the teams donated their half of the 50/50 money back for this charity as well."

"It was a fantastic weekend in the spirit of the holidays, and we ended up giving 309 lbs of food to the food bank, 4 bags of teddy bears and 4 boxes of toys to the Soctiabank Smiles for Christmas program and an amazing $1600 towards the Jumpstart Program! I also found out that our local Brooks Canadian Tire is going to top up that donation by adding another $500 towards the program!"

Fort Saskatchewan Minor Hockey

"Fort Saskatchewan Minor Hockey sponsored their 5th annual "Fill the Net" campaign for our local food bank in Fort Saskatchewan. Both the Major Midget AAA Rangers and the Novice 3B Rangers co-lead the event on December 9, 2018. All home teams playing that day were encouraged to participate."

"At the end of the day, the teams gathered almost 700 lbs of food to donate! Our local midget players took time out of their Monday (which was a day off from any practice or games) to deliver the donations to the Food Bank."

Lac La Biche Bantam Clippers

The Lac La Biche Bantam Clippers held their second annual Teddy Bear Toss against Bonnyville on December 15. All teddy bears were donated to the local women’s shelter, Hope Haven, and Victim Services.

Leduc Roughnecks AtoMc 2

"The Leduc Roughnecks AtoMc 2 team this year has committed to 10 Random Acts of Kindness within our community."

"So far this year they have donated toys to Leduc Santa’s Helper, made up Christmas cards that they left out for people at the Leduc Recreation Complex & participated in the Leduc Roughneck Bantam Female’s Teddy Bear toss where they tossed teddy bears supporting the team’s event & also was able to go onto the ice to help gather and bag the bears with the Bantam Team. It’s been a great experience for the kids so far!"

Leduc Roughnecks Bantam Female

"To show our gratitude for what we have, our Bantam Female team is giving back! They are hoping to make less fortunate kids smile this Christmas! Teddy Bear Toss happened on Friday Dec.7th."

"The Teddy Bears tossed were all donated to Santa’s Helpers! The results were amazing...we ended up with 152 bears tossed."

Lethbridge Atom Yeti

"Team Yeti from the Lethbridge Atom City Division is giving back by helping out at the local soup kitchen. We’ve already done one breakfast and are planning to go back in the new year to help serve breakfast again."

"It’s a beautiful thing to hear our boys requesting to go back because they feel like they’re helping people who need it. They made breakfast, served it to the guests and cleaned up afterwards. So proud of our boys!"

Medicine Hat Atom B Kings

"Today our Atom B Kings learned a valuable lesson.... not only is coach Jason teaching them hockey skills but more important to be great citizens. These kids gave up two hours of their saturday afternoon to work kettles for the salvation army."

"The Atom B Kings would like to challenge the other Atom teams to book a shift and help the salvation army out this holiday season. We had a very proud group of parents as we left the mall this evening."

Medicine Hat Atom Hounds

"Our Atom CAHL Hounds Black gave back for Christmas this year. For their Christmas party, they Adopted a family - raising $1400 among team families to make Christmas special for a family in need."

"The boys shopped and wrapped as a team, celebrating the gifts and lessons we have been fortunate to receive through the sport we love, along with the gift of giving back."

Olds Bantam AA Grizzlys

The Olds Bantam AA Grizzlys donated toys and money the the Olds and District Christmas Angels program to give back to the community.

Onoway Minor Hockey

"A former Onoway Midget player now for the 3rd year planned and organized our Christmas showdown, collecting food bank donations as well as money and toys for the less fortunate. We were able to collect quite a haul of food and toys to share in our community! And had a fun time wearing our Christmas sweaters too! Thanks to the Edson Sabre’s for getting in the spirit and sharing too!"

Sherwood Park SP795 Atom Arrows

"It is the Christmas season, and for many, it is a time to give selflessly to others in the community. Over the past two weeks, the SP795 Atom Arrows have been busy preparing a special gift. Led by the Arrows Coach and Manager, the boys came together as a team to decorate over 100 Christmas Cookies and to practice singing Christmas Carols, with a plan to deliver their creations to local seniors. On Sunday, the entire team met at the Summerland Retirement Village, and to the delight of the residents they handed out cookies, chatted with the residents and even sang a few Christmas carols. Although the Christmas carols were a little off key, they could see the seniors dancing in their chairs, delighted to hear these boys sing. As a parent group, we feel blessed to have had a child placed on this team, to watch our boys show politeness and kindness to the residents brought tears of joy to many and made hearts sing."

Spruce Grove Peewee AA Timberwolves

"The Spruce Grove Pee Wee AA Timberwolves organized an event at two Spruce Grove vs Spruce Grove games. One of our community hockey players, Hudson Pedlar, was hospitalized with a serious illness due to influenza. He’s has a tough battle for over 6 weeks now in the hospital and will continue to have an extremely long time for therapy and healing. He is 8 years old."

"During the Pee Wee AA Game Timberwolves vs Broncos, we held a 50/50 with all profits going to #hudsonstrong. We also added it to the Bantam AA Timberwolves vs Broncos game. We raised over $1,700 and the two winners donated their winnings back to Hudson."

"We also held a Kinettes food drive during the Pee Wee game for the food bank and ended up getting over six giant bins full! It was a great day of giving back to the community, we are so proud of the players!"

St. Albert SA731 and SA 732

The St. Albert SA731 and SA732 challenged parents and fans to bring donations for the local food bank to their game.

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta’s inaugural Female Hockey Day was an overwhelming success, with hundreds showing up to take part in the day-long celebration.

Over 160 athletes took part in activities throughout the day, which included on-ice sessions for players and officials of all levels, and off-ice sessions, such as dryland training, parent education sessions, and sport ambassador sessions.

In addition to players from Red Deer College, young athletes also had the chance to hear from a handful of players from the Calgary Inferno, who were in town to play the Toronto Furies in the first-ever Canadian Women’s Hockey League game to be played in Red Deer.

“This wasn’t just a Red Deer event it was truly a Central Alberta event,” said Kendall Newell, Hockey Alberta’s Manager, Female Hockey. “Definitely to grow the game and give it a big platform to showcase and highlight female hockey. We’ve had a strong push in our office to grow the female game and introducing it to new participants.”

The game served as the exclamation point for Female Hockey Day, and drew a crowd of over 600 fans to the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

Valerie Gill, the captain of the gold medal-winning Team Alberta U18 Female squad at the 1991 Canada winter games, carried out the ceremonial puck drop before the game. One lucky athlete, Rozene Sabeti-Seidel, took to the ice with the Inferno during the pre-game skate, and stood with the team during the National Anthem - an honour she earned as the winner of the ’Experience the Dream’ contest.

Through a "chuck-a-puck" contest and a silent auction, the Hockey Alberta Foundation also raised over $1,000 for the Every Kid Every Community program during the game.

Female Hockey Day Photo Gallery >

RED DEER - Hockey Alberta is pleased to announce the host sites for the 2019 Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, presented by ATB Financial.

The month-long “March to a title” features provincial championship tournament action during four weekends in March and April, along with four champions crowned through league playoff series. Organizations interested in hosting a provincial championship tournament completed a detailed bid process, with a bid committee evaluating the submissions.

2019 Provincial Host Sites >

A total of 39 Provincial Championships will be hosted across the province, at locations ranging from Grande Prairie in the north and west, Fort Macleod in the south, and Cold Lake in the east.

In addition, Hockey Alberta is undertaking a trial Provincial Championship Model. The trial will see the Peewee A-D Provincial Championships transition to Peewee Tiers 1-4. The Peewee Tiers 1-4 Provincial Championship Tournaments will take place March 28-31, with eight teams - the host, a wild card, and the champions from Hockey Calgary, Hockey Edmonton, Central Alberta Hockey League, Northern Alberta Interlock, All Peace Hockey League, and North Eastern Alberta Hockey League.

Week one (March 14-17) features 13 tournaments: Bantam A, Bantam B, Bantam C, Bantam D, Bantam Female A, Bantam Female B, Atom AA Major, Atom AA Minor, Atom A, Atom B, Atom C, Atom D, and Atom Female.

Another 12 tournaments are set for week two (March 21-24): Minor Midget AAA, Midget A, Midget B, Midget C, Midget D, Midget Female AAA, Midget Female A, Midget Female B, Bantam AA, Bantam Female Elite, Peewee Female A and Peewee Female B.

Week three (March 28-31) will see nine more tournaments: Senior AA, Junior C, Midget AA, Midget Female Elite, Peewee AA, and the Peewee Tiers 1-4 events.

The 2019 Provincials wrap up with Junior B, the lone tournament running April 4-7.

The following provincial champions will be decided via league playoffs: Senior AAA, Junior A, Midget AAA, and Bantam AAA.

ATB Financial will once again headline as the presenting sponsor of the Hockey Alberta Provincial Championships, continuing a long-standing relationship with Hockey Alberta.

The majority of teams competing in minor Provincial Championship tournaments qualify by winning a zone playdown. Playdowns start in mid-January across the province, with over 700 teams vying for the right to represent their zone at the provincial championships. Host teams receive an automatic berth in the championship they are hosting, although they do participate in zone playdowns, and have the opportunity to win their zone title.

Hosts for the following events are still being accepted and reviewed: Midget Female A, Bantam Female A, Bantam Female B and Atom AA Major. Interested applicants can contact Bryden Burrell, Coordinator, Hockey Programs.

Hockey Alberta would also like to congratulate the Blackfalds Wranglers, who will host the 2020 Junior B Provincial Championships.

RED DEER - Just days after being selected to Team Alberta U18 Female for the 2019 Canada Winter Games, three Albertans were named to the National Women’s Under-18 Team for the 2019 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship.

Forwards Danielle Serdachny and Rachel Weiss, and blueliner Stephanie Markowski will all suit up for Team Canada in Obihiro, Japan, just over a month before stepping on the ice in Red Deer for the Canada Games.

All three athletes competed as part of Canada’s National Women’s U18 team in a three-game series against the United States in August, and have all previously played for Team Alberta at the U18 Nationals - Serdachny in 2017, and Markowski and Weiss in both 2016 and 2017.

The 2019 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship runs January 6-13, with the Canada Winter Games running February 15 - March 3 in Red Deer, with the Female Hockey competition set for February 24 - March 2.

Hockey Alberta is proud to unveil a new section at hockeyalberta.ca. Home Ice Feature stories will focus on interesting stories about the individuals and groups who make a difference within the hockey community in Alberta. If you have a suggestion for a Home Ice Feature story, email [email protected].