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(Hockey Canada)

Camrose to host World Junior ‘A’ Challenge this December

Aug 9, 2024 | 2:19 PM

The AJHL and Hockey Canada have announced that the 2024 World Junior ‘A’ Challenge will be hosted this December in Camrose.

In the central Alberta city for the first time since 2008, the Encana Arena will be the place to be from Dec. 9-15. There, teams from Canada East and West, as well as the U.S.A. and other nations will compete using their best Jr. A level players.

“Hosting a prestigious tournament like the Junior ‘A’ World Challenge fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment,” says tournament co-chair Boris Rybalka, who coached Canada West when Camrose last hosted, and won gold at the first two editions of the tournament in 2006 and 2007.

“We know our community will come together, support the event and create an exciting atmosphere for fans and teams.”

The event is projected to have a $3 million economic spinoff for the community.

“Communities across Alberta have proven to be excellent hosts for multiple Hockey Canada events and we know Camrose will carry on that tradition with the 2024 Junior A World Challenge,” says Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact with Hockey Canada.

“We look forward to welcoming teams and fans in our return to Camrose, and leaving a lasting legacy while also fostering the growth and support of hockey in the region.”

More than 300 NHL draft picks have played in this tournament since it launched in 2006, including Brock Boeser, Kyle Connor, Nikolaj Ehlers, Dylan Holloway, Elias Lindholm, David Pastrnak, Jaden Schwartz, Vladimir Tarasenko and Andrei Vasilevski.

The official tournament schedule and ticket information will be announced at a later date.

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