The COVID-19 pandemic means Red Deer has to wait until next year to host games for the World Junior Hockey Championship. 

By rdnewsNOW staff

"Go Team Canada!"

Mayor Veer welcomes World Juniors to Alberta

Dec 24, 2020 | 9:30 AM

Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer has released the following statement ahead of the 2021 World Junior Hockey Championship.

“On behalf of our community and fellow Canadians, welcome players, coaches and officials participating in the 2020/2021 IIHF World Junior Championship. While we are disappointed to not be able to welcome you in person to Red Deer, we look forward to welcoming you to our city next year.

“Hockey is our national unifier. The maple leaf unites Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Wearing the Team Canada jersey is among our country’s highest honours, and when a bench of 25 players proudly play for the maple leaf at World Juniors, our nation unites in our pride for our flag and our pride in the “True North” we have the fortune of calling our home.

“World Juniors is more than a hockey tournament, it is our national tradition. Every year, Canadians from across the country proudly wear red, wave the maple leaf, and lose our voices as we celebrate Team Canada overtime goals at World Juniors.

“Beginning historically on Boxing Day, our country pauses to participate in a purpose greater than ourselves. We gather with family and friends in our homes or with soon-to-be friends in sports pubs and at community arenas. We stand to cheer at televisions, tablets and phones because we are Canadians and hockey is our national sport. I know many of our citizens were looking forward to sharing in the World Junior experience in our community this year. While I too am disappointed, I know Red Deerians will be watching and cheering this year from the safety of our homes.

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“Red Deer is honoured to be a partner host City for the 2020/2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, especially given our strong history with the tournament. Hosting Juniors in 1995 was a game-changing catalyst for our community, building major sport event hosting into our community DNA.

“As we continue to navigate the pandemic, this tournament provides a bright spot not only for sports fans, but for all Canadians. As our country’s official national winter sport, hockey has the power to unite Canadians. Collectively, we will be cheering on Team Canada as they bring home another championship.

“This year, from December 25 through January 5, our province will be on the international stage, and we wish The City of Edmonton all the best as they host in these unprecedented times. We are looking forward to co-hosting with you next year, and we will celebrate our return to community life together.

“Best of luck to the players competing in this year’s championship. Despite the circumstances, I hope you are able to witness the passion that Alberta has for hockey as you represent your respective countries.

“Go Team Canada!”