To kick-off the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, Hockey Alberta, in partnership with RBC Play Hockey the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship host organizing committee and Hockey Canada, today announced the schedule for the World Hockey Tour. The tour, which takes place from Dec. 3-23, 2011, will bring the thrill of the IIHF World Junior Championship, including on-ice skills events and World Junior pre-tournament games, to 14 communities across Alberta.

“Our focus is to engage Albertans from all corners of the province to create an exciting atmosphere for the IIHF World Junior Championship that extends beyond Edmonton and Calgary,” said Rob Litwinski, Hockey Alberta general manager. “This event will positively impact hockey all around the province and we want as many people as possible to have the chance to say ‘I was there’ even if they can’t make a tournament game.”

Each of the selected communities will host a day of on-ice and off-ice festivities, including a 4-on-4 Novice and Atom hockey tournament for 120 players, coaching clinics, a replica IIHF locker room, numerous giveaways and prizes for fans, with nine cities also hosting IIHF World Junior Championship pre-tournament games.

As part of its commitment to helping hockey happen in communities across North America, RBC will be awarding a total of $70,000 in RBC Play Hockey Grants to communities throughout Alberta in the support of hockey development, player recruitment and coach education, through the World Hockey Tour.

“Whether it's watching your child practice, joining in on a game of shinny or enjoying a professional game with friends, hockey is part of every community in Canada,” said Bruce MacKenzie, RBC regional president, Alberta and the Territories. “We are proud to be part of the World Hockey Tour leading up to the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship as it brings the spirit of hockey to communities across Alberta.”

World Hockey Tour, presented by RBC:
Dec. 3-4 – Stettler
Dec. 6 – Fahler 
Dec. 9 – Cold Lake
Dec. 10 – Thorhild
Dec. 13 – Innisfail 
Dec. 17 – Edmonton 
Dec. 19 – Calgary*
Dec. 20 – Okotoks*
Dec. 20 – Olds* 
Dec. 20 – Red Deer* 
Dec. 21 – Camrose* 
Dec. 22 – Brooks* 
Dec. 22 – Lethbridge* 
Dec. 23 – Three Hills*

*events that run in conjunction with pre-tournament games

For more information on the World Hockey Tour, including registration information, updates, and community contacts.

The World Hockey Tour presented by RBC Play Hockey is delivered by Hockey Alberta in partnership with the Government of Alberta, Hockey Canada and the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Follow the World Hockey Tour on TWITTER and FACEBOOK.