Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta have been selected as the hosts for the 2027 world junior hockey championship following changes to the original plans due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was jointly announced by Hockey Canada, the Canadian Hockey League, and the International Ice Hockey Federation on Tuesday. The tournament is scheduled to take place from December 26, 2026, to January 5, 2027.
Initially, Edmonton and Red Deer were designated as the hosts for the 2021 edition of the tournament. However, pandemic restrictions forced all games to be played at Edmonton’s Rogers Place without any spectators. Subsequently, the 2022 tournament had to be canceled due to the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
The tournament eventually took place in August at Rogers Place, but faced challenges with low attendance. Officials from the International Ice Hockey Federation attributed the lack of fans to the high ticket prices, unusual timing of the tournament, and the controversy surrounding allegations of sexual assault involving members of Canada’s 2018 world junior team.
Rogers Place, with a seating capacity of 18,500, will once again be the main venue for the championship, hosting 17 games, including the semifinals and medal matches. The Marchant Crane Centrium in Red Deer, with a capacity of 7,050 seats, will host the remaining 14 games.
In 1995, Red Deer, Edmonton, and Calgary jointly hosted the tournament when it made its debut in Alberta. Additionally, Edmonton and Calgary co-hosted the event in 2012. Looking ahead, Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota are slated to host the 2026 world championship. The United States, as the host nation, will enter the tournament as the defending champion following their victory in the 2025 event held in Ottawa.