CALGARY, Alta. – The world is coming to Bonnyville, Alta., in just two short months, but fans can get an early look at the 2016 World Junior A Challenge thanks to a pair of pre-tournament games slated for the City of Cold Lake and the Town of St. Paul, Alta.

“We’re excited for the tournament to get started, but having the opportunity to bring some of the best Junior A players in Canada and the world to hockey fans in both communities is what we want everyone to experience. As a northeast Albertan, I am especially proud to see these games held in Cold Lake and St. Paul, and the event in Bonnyville,” said Kirk Lamb, chairman of the CJHL and a native of Cold Lake.

Both games will be played Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. MT.

• Canada West vs. U.S.          Cold Lake Energy Centre           Cold Lake, Alta.
• Canada East vs. Russia        Clancy Richard Arena                St. Paul, Alta.

Mayors from both communities are equally excited for the chance to showcase the games to fans.

“The City of Cold Lake is excited that our neighbours in the Town of Bonnyville are hosting the World Junior A Challenge, and we are proud to support them as a sponsoring community,” said Craig Copeland, Mayor of Cold Lake. “The exhibition game between Team Canada West and Team USA will be a thrilling start to the event, and we can’t wait for the puck to drop in Cold Lake.”

“Council looks at this as a chance for the community to celebrate their passion at the international level,” said St. Paul Mayor, Glenn Andersen.

Tickets for both games are available at the door and are $10 for adults; kids 17-and-under are free.

The 2016 World Junior A Challenge, which features two Canadian and four international teams, takes place from Dec. 11-17 at the R.J. Lalonde Arena.

Since the first event in 2006, more than 260 NHL draft picks have played in the tournament. Canada West has won gold four times (2006, 2007, 2011 and 2015), captured a silver medal three times (2008, 2009 and 2012) and won bronze in 2013. Canada East has won four silver medals (2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011) and won bronze in 2008.

For more information on the 2016 World Junior A Challenge, please visit HockeyCanada.ca/WJAC, or follow along via social media on Facebook and Twitter.