CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada has announced the dates and host communities for six events taking place during the 2022-23 season, including the return of the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup and World Junior A Challenge for the first time since 2019.

The communities of Langley and Delta, B.C., will host the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge from Nov. 5-12, bringing some of the top young players in the world to Metro Vancouver.

The 2022 Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup will run from Nov. 27-Dec. 3 in Bridgewater, N.S., marking the first time that the event has been held in the Maritimes since 2016.

A showcase of Canadian and international Junior A talent, the 2022 World Junior A Challenge will take place in Cornwall, Ont., from Dec. 11-18.

Two of Hockey Canada’s national championships will return to their typical April schedule in 2023, with the puck dropping at the Esso Cup in Prince Albert, Sask., on April 23 and the TELUS Cup beginning April 24 in Saint-Hyacinthe, Que.

The Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, will be hosted in Portage la Prairie, Man., in May 2023, bringing Canada’s National Junior A Championship to Manitoba for a fourth time.

“We are excited to announce the host communities for six events taking place in 2022-23, and we cannot wait to bring some of the top hockey events in the world to fans across Canada,” said Dean McIntosh, vice-president of events and properties for Hockey Canada. “Hosting events of this magnitude would not be possible without our incredible local partners, and we are very grateful for their support as we count down to puck drop.”

Tickets are available now for the 2022 World Junior A Challenge in Cornwall, Ont., at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets, while on-sale dates for the remaining events will be announced at a later date.

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, become a Hockey Canada Insider, or follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada has partnered with BDO to expand the local legacies of its national and international events through the launch of the BDO Goals for Kids program.

Every season, Hockey Canada brings three international events – the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, World Junior A Challenge, and World Sledge Hockey Challenge – as well as four national championships – the National Women’s Under-18 Championship, Esso Cup, TELUS Cup, and RBC Cup – to new communities across the country. The net proceeds from those events remains in the host communities as a legacy to allow them to invest in growing the game locally.

Working with its new international marketing partner, BDO, Hockey Canada is expanding that legacy through BDO Goals for Kids – a program that will see $50 for every goal scored at a national championship, and $100 for every goal scored by Team Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, World Junior A Challenge, and World Sledge Hockey Challenge – go back to the minor hockey association in that community to assist with offsetting equipment and registration costs for young players.

“Every season, at least seven communities welcome us and our athletes, and help us deliver success on and off the ice through our events. As part of our thank-you to those volunteers, we leave a financial legacy in the host communities to provide them with further resources to grow Canada’s game locally,” said Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer for Hockey Canada. “BDO has shared in our passion for the game as an event partner with our IIHF events hosted on Canadian ice since 2012. We are excited to have them join us as an international marketing partner, and thankful for their support of the future of Canadian hockey through BDO Goals for Kids.”

Jim Krahn, the Calgary office managing partner for BDO, joined Hockey Canada and young minor hockey players as well as media personalities in Calgary on Wednesday to officially launch BDO Goals for Kids, and make the program’s first donation. A kick-off ball hockey game was hosted at WinSport’s Markin MacPhail Centre, the home of Hockey Canada in Calgary; the young players and participating members of the media put their best moves on display, helping deliver a BDO Goals for Kids donation of $1,000 to minor hockey in the city.

“As fans of the game, we couldn’t be more delighted to partner with Hockey Canada,” said Pat Kramer, CEO of BDO Canada. “Hockey is such an important part of Canadian culture, integral to communities from coast to coast. The inclusion of the BDO Goals for Kids program allows us to give back to these communities and help ensure more kids get the chance to play and develop their skills.”

The first two events where on-ice goals will count towards BDO Goals for Kids come in November when Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, B.C., co-host the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, and Quebec City welcomes the National Women’s Under-18 Championship.

About Hockey Canada
Hockey Canada is the governing body for hockey in Canada and a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), with a membership through its 13 member associations of over 700,000 players, coaches and officials. Hockey Canada is a not-for-profit organization that creates leading-edge hockey development programs for its members to deliver in communities across Canada; provides consistent rules and regulations and various other membership services from coast to coast to coast; manages numerous regional, national, and international hockey championships and events; and leads the operation of all teams that represent Canada in international ice hockey competition. Hockey Canada’s mission is to “lead, develop, and promote positive hockey experiences.” For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow through social media on Facebook and Twitter.

About BDO
BDO is a leading provider of professional services to clients of all sizes in virtually all business sectors. Our team delivers a comprehensive range of assurance, accounting, tax, and advisory services, complemented by a deep industry knowledge gained from nearly 100 years working within local communities. As part of the international BDO network, we’re able to provide seamless and consistent cross-border services to clients with global needs.

A deep sense of pride swept over Conrad Haché at the sight of his son Braden garbed in the stripes of a hockey referee for the first time.

He was bearing witness to his child following in his footsteps. Conrad, the director of officiating with the Ontario Hockey League since 2007, served as a National Hockey League official from 1994 to 2001.

Since making his Saturday-morning debut in a game a few seasons ago in his hometown of Newmarket, Ont., the younger Haché has officiated close to 50 Novice and Atom contests – while also pursuing his playing career, which is thriving.

After starring in Minor Midget AAA for the York-Simcoe Express last season, Haché was a fourth-round pick in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection, taken 63rd overall by the Kingston Frontenacs, and earned an invite to Canada’s national under-17 development camp this week in Calgary.

Adding officiating to his résumé was a case of a father’s passion rubbing off on his son.

“My dad loved being a referee so much that it inspired me to want to do it, too,” says the 16-year-old defenceman.

While parents hurling insults in his direction caught Haché off guard at first, his father, who became a referee himself at 14, said his son has quickly developed a strong on-ice presence as an official.

“He has a thick skin and he understands every facet of the game so well that he has done well as an official,” Conrad says.

Stepping into the skates of a referee has made an impact on Haché’s playing career. While he doesn’t label himself as someone who once routinely protests calls, he says being a referee has encouraged him to exhibit even more respect towards officials.

Greater on-ice discipline and a strengthened bond with his father are two of the gifts officiating has given Braden. Being around wide-eyed young hockey players is another.

“It is great to be around these kids and to have an opportunity to teach them more about things like face-offs and offsides,” he says. “Their passion and energy do rub off on me.”

In addition to his officiating duties, Haché gives back to the game by instructing younger players at hockey camps and learn-to-skate programs.

“The game gives you so much that it is important to give back,” his father says. “If you can give back at that [young] age it is even better as the younger players look up to them. Some of the Novice players were so excited when they heard he was going to be drafted as a player as they only knew him as a referee.”

Haché isn’t sure what his level of involvement in officiating will be next season. Turning 16 years old makes him eligible to referee Peewee games, but a potential rookie OHL season with the Frontenacs will take priority.

Whether he is on the ice next season or not, Haché is grateful for having another avenue to be in the game for life – just like his dad.

CORNWALL, Ont. – Team Canada East and Team Canada West have announced their final rosters ahead of the 2022 World Junior A Challenge, and 44 of the top Junior A players in Canada will wear the Maple Leaf in Cornwall, Ont., Dec. 11-18.

The players selected to represent their country participated in a three-day selection camp at the Cornwall Civic Complex, with Canada East selecting players from the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s five eastern leagues - the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL), Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), Ligue de hockey junior AAA du Québec (LHJAAAQ) and Maritime Hockey League (MHL). Canada West selected its players from the CJHL’s four western leagues - the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) and Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL).

Canada East’s 22-player roster was selected by head coach Billy McGuigan (Summerside, P.E.I./Summerside, MHL), alongside director of operations Chris Vanstone (Mississauga, Ont./Ontario Junior Hockey League).

“We had a highly-competitive selection camp, and it was great opportunity to gather in Cornwall and allow our players to compete for a spot on Team Canada East,” said McGuigan. “We are confident in the team we have selected, and our staff and players are eager for the opportunity to represent Canada and compete for a gold medal.”

Canada West’s 22-player roster was selected by head coach Justin Falk (Snowflake, Man./Winkler, MJHL) and director of operations Rob Sklaruk (Canora, Sask./Spruce Grove, AJHL).

“Having two competitive intrasquad games during camp allowed our staff to select a group of players that we believe will give us the best chance to be successful at the World Junior A Challenge,” said Falk. “Now that our roster is set, we are excited to hit the ice and begin building confidence in our group ahead of our first game against the United States.”

Canada East will open the 2022 World Junior A Challenge against Latvia on Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. ET, followed by Canada West taking on the United States at 5 p.m. ET. Fans looking to secure their seats can purchase a full-event ticket package for $189 at HockeyCanada.ca/WJAC.

Prior to the start of play, the five competing teams will take to the ice for three pre-tournament games, Dec. 8-9 at the Cornwall Civic Complex. Sweden will take on the CCHL’s Cornwall Colts on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. ET, while Canada West will play Latvia at 2 p.m. ET and Canada East will face off against the United States at 7 p.m. ET on Dec. 9.

Of the 14 gold medal games at the World Junior A Challenge, 11 have featured at least one Canadian team. Canada East will look to earn its first gold medal, having won silver six times (2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2016, 2019) and bronze once (2008), while Canada West has won gold five times (2006, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2017), silver three times (2008, 2009, 2012) and bronze twice (2013, 2018).

TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast the bronze and gold medal games on Sunday, Dec. 18; please check local listings for details. All other games will be streamed live at HockeyCanada.ca.

For more information on the 2022 World Junior A Challenge, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook or Twitter.

CORNWALL, Ont. – Sixty-three players from across the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) have earned invites to selection camp ahead of the 2022 World Junior A Challenge.

From Dec. 5-7, 63 CJHL players - 32 Team Canada East hopefuls and 31 Team Canada West invitees - will gather at the Cornwall Civic Complex for three days of practices and games.

There will be two intrasquad games between East and West before the final rosters are named on Dec. 7. The 2022 World Junior A Challenge is set for Dec. 11-18 at the Cornwall Civic Complex.

The invites for Team Canada East were selected from the CJHL’s five eastern leagues - the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL), Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), Ligue de hockey junior AAA du Québec (LHJAAAQ) and Maritime Hockey League (MHL). The invites for Team Canada West were chosen from the four western leagues - the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) and Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL).

Coaching staffs announced for Canada East and Canada West

Eight CJHL coaches have been selected to lead Team Canada East and Team Canada West in Cornwall.

Billy McGuigan (Summerside, P.E.I./Summerside, MHL) returns to Team Canada East as head coach after previously serving as an assistant coach at the 2013 World Junior A Challenge. Mark Jooris (Burlington, Ont./Burlington, OJHL), Kyle Markaric (LaSalle, Ont./Ottawa, CCHL) and Derek Smith (Belleville, Ont./Wellington, OJHL) join McGuigan as assistant coaches, marking their international coaching debuts.

For Team Canada West, Justin Falk (Snowflake, Man./Winkler, MJHL) will make his international coaching debut as head coach. He will be joined by assistant coaches Clayton Jardine (Lacombe, Alta./Camrose, AJHL), who served as video coach for Team Canada West in 2019, as well as Brayden Klimosko (Humboldt, Sask./Battlefords, SJHL) and Evan McFeeters (Canmore, Alta./Sherwood Park, AJHL), who will also make their international debuts in Cornwall.

“The coaches selected to lead Team Canada East and Team Canada West represent the level of talent in the coaching ranks in junior hockey in Canada. All eight coaches bring a wealth of coaching and playing experience from Junior A and international hockey to their respective teams,” said Andy Harkness, president of the CJHL. “It is exciting to see our coaches continuing to earn the honour of these positions and to welcome some who are new to international competition, and we look forward to them guiding both Canadian teams when the event makes its highly-anticipated return.”

The CJHL has also announced that Chris Vanstone (Mississauga, Ont./Ontario Junior Hockey League) will return as director of operations for Team Canada East after previously serving in the same role in 2018, while Rob Sklaruk (Canora, Sask./Spruce Grove, AJHL) has been named director of operations for Team Canada West.

“We are excited about the quality of coaches and players who will be a part of selection camp and the 2022 World Junior A Challenge in Cornwall,” said Scott Salmond (Creston, B.C.), senior vice-president of hockey operations with Hockey Canada. “We look forward to showcasing the talent from across the CJHL, and we know fans in Cornwall will be treated to a great week of hockey.”

Of the 14 gold medal games at the World Junior A Challenge, 11 have featured at least one Canadian team. Team Canada East will look to earn its first gold medal, having won silver six times (2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2016, 2019) and bronze once (2008), while Team Canada West has won gold five times (2006, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2017), silver three times (2008, 2009, 2012) and bronze twice (2013, 2018).

Fans looking to secure their seats can purchase a full-event ticket package for $189 at HockeyCanada.ca/WJAC. The package includes one ticket to all 14 tournament games, including both medal games, and three pre-tournament games.

The 2022 World Junior A Challenge represents a partnership between Hockey Canada, the CJHL, NHL Central Scouting and the local host committee. The international showcase features two Canadian teams – Team Canada East and Team Canada West – along with Latvia, Sweden and the United States.

For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2022 World Junior A Challenge, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or following along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The last time the World Junior A Challenge (WJAC) was played, in December of 2019, a young goaltender stole the show, earning Most Valuable Player honours and backstopping Canada East to within an overtime goal of its first gold medal.

A year later, Devon Levi was starring on the biggest stage in junior hockey, turning in one of the best netminding performances in IIHF World Junior Championship history inside the Edmonton bubble.

Levi is just one of the many success stories that have come out of the WJAC, which returns after a two-year COVID-19 hiatus when Cornwall, Ont., welcomes Canada East, Canada West, Latvia, Sweden and the United States beginning Dec. 11.

Founded in 2006 to give more exposure to players from across the Canadian Junior Hockey League, there have been no shortage of memorable moments and historic performances over the years.

• Check out the full list of notable World Junior A Challenge alumni

At the first WJAC in Yorkton and Humboldt, Sask., in the first-ever game, Kyle Turris recorded what it still the only four-goal effort in tournament history, leading Canada West to a win over Russia en route to gold and MVP honours.

In Langley, B.C., in 2011, Canada West became the first team to lose both of its preliminary-round games (under the old format) and still win gold, capped by a thrilling 4-2 win over Canada East in the most recent all-Canadian final.

That game included nine players who have appeared in an NHL game – four with West (Alex Kerfoot, Jujhar Khaira, Colton Parayko, Troy Stecher) and five with East (Drake Caggiula, Justin Danforth, Ben Hutton, Devin Shore, MacKenzie Weegar).

Four years later, a Canada West roster that included four first-round NHL draft picks Tyson Jost (10th to Colorado in 2016), Dante Fabbro (17th, Nashville, 2016), Dennis Cholowski (20th, Detroit, 2016) and Cale Makar (4th, Colorado, 2017) – won gold in Cobourg and Whitby, Ont.

That tournament is perhaps best remembered for the wild East vs. West semifinal; tied 2-2 entering the third period, Jost tied a tournament-record with four points (1-3—3) and the teams combined for a record nine goals, with West pulling away for an 8-5 win.

Makar, of course, is now perhaps the best-known WJAC alumni – an all-star in 2015, he returned to captain West in 2016, again making the all-star team, before embarking on a pro career that has already included a Calder Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy and Stanley Cup championship in Colorado.

But it’s not just Canadians who have left their mark. The list of international alumni is just as impressive, including Boston Bruins superstar David Pastrnak (Czech Republic, 2012), Calgary Flames standout Elias Lindholm (Sweden, 2011) and a trio of Americans – New York Islanders defenceman Scott Mayfield (2010), Buffalo Sabres forward Vince Hinostroza (2012) and Arizona Coyotes point-getter Nick Schmaltz (2013) – who were tournament MVPs.

As was Winnipeg Jets sniper Nikolaj Ehlers, who took home the award in 2014 after posting nine points (6-3—9) in four games and helping Denmark reach the gold medal game in Kindersley, Sask.

That year, the Danes entered the WJAC as preparation for the IIHF World Junior Championship in Toronto and Montreal. This year, it’ll be Latvia doing the same as it gets ready for the World Juniors in Halifax and Moncton.

So … will you be part of the festivities in Cornwall? Tickets are now on sale, and there’s something for everyone.

Only available to check out the night games? There’s a package for that (six games for $87).
Only want to see the action on opening day, featuring East and West in action? There’s a package for that (two games for $32).
Only want to watch the medal round on the final weekend? There’s a package for that (four games for $76).

Tickets are on sale now at HockeyCanada.ca/WJAC.

CORNWALL, Ont. – The World Junior A Challenge is set to make its return for the first time since 2019, and Cornwall will host two Canadian teams and three international entries at the 4,800-seat Cornwall Civic Complex, Dec. 11-18.

The 2022 World Junior A Challenge represents a partnership between Hockey Canada, the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), Hockey Eastern Ontario, NHL Central Scouting and the local organizing committee. The five-team format includes Team Canada East, Team Canada West, Latvia, Sweden and the United States. The Latvian entry will be its national junior team, as part of its preparations for the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship in Halifax, N.S., and Moncton, N.B.

“The unveiling of the schedule for the 2022 World Junior A Challenge is an important step as we prepare to host eight days of exciting, high-caliber hockey, allowing fans to secure their seats to watch five great teams in our city,” said Lorne Taillon, chair of the local organizing committee. “Having experienced this event first-hand in 2019, fans in Cornwall and across Canada can expect to be treated to highly-skilled, fast-paced hockey that includes future stars of the game competing for a gold medal on the international stage.”

The official tournament schedule features four preliminary-round games for each team between Dec. 11-16, kicking off with Team Canada East taking on Latvia at 1 p.m. ET and Team Canada West facing off against the United States on opening night. The top four teams will advance to the medal round, with the bronze medal and gold medal games taking place at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. ET, respectively, on Dec. 18. TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast the bronze and gold medal game; please check local listings for details.

“The City of Cornwall has been preparing to host the World Junior A Challenge since 2019, and we are grateful to the city and organizing committee for their dedication and support of the event,” said Dean McIntosh, vice-president of events and properties with Hockey Canada. “Fans in Ontario having been patiently waiting for this world-class event, and those fans can expect high-quality hockey.”  

Fans looking to secure their seats can purchase a full-event ticket package for $189 online at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets. The package includes one ticket to all 14 tournament games, including both medal games, and three pre-tournament games.

More details about the 2022 World Junior A Challenge, including pre-tournament games and official tournament rosters, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Cornwall was originally scheduled to host the World Junior A Challenge in 2020 and 2021, but both were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The city most recently hosted a pre-tournament game between Sweden and Slovakia ahead of the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship, and played host to the 2008 RBC Cup, Canada’s National Junior A Championship, and 1980 Air Canada Cup, Canada’s National Men’s U18 Club Championship.

For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2022 World Junior A Challenge, please visit  HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

CALGARY, Alta. – Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the difficult decision has been made to cancel the 2021 National Women’s Under-18 Championship, 2021 Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup and 2021 World Junior A Challenge. The following is a statement on behalf of Hockey Canada from Tom Renney, chief executive officer, and Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer:

“Despite a strong desire to work with three great communities to host the top players at various levels across the country this season, the health and safety of all participants and the communities at large continues to be of the utmost importance to Hockey Canada. The ongoing pandemic, in addition to the vaccination status of some international teams, has left us with no other option. We believe the decision to cancel these fall events is the safest decision given the ongoing uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic at a local level, as well as the uncertainty around countries and regions being able to safely compete.

Hockey Canada is grateful for the continued support of local host committees and event partners, including B.C. Hockey, Hockey Eastern Ontario, Hockey Nova Scotia and the Canadian Junior Hockey League, as well as the communities of Bridgewater, N.S., Cornwall, Ont., and Dawson Creek, B.C., and all local and provincial funding partners. Our organization is appreciative of the commitment and support of all stakeholders to host these events and we look forward to showcasing our national events and all participants to fans next year.”

Hockey Canada will continue to work with event stakeholders to host the spring 2022 national championships and to continue to investigate opportunities to prepare Canadian athletes to represent Canada at the Olympic Winter Games, Paralympic Winter Games, IIHF world championships and other international events.

CALGARY, Alta. – Following the cancellation of the 2019-20 hockey season and all national championships in March, Hockey Canada has worked tirelessly with its host organizing committees for 2020 and beyond.

While a tremendous amount of work has gone into planning the fall 2020 events, the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created a position where there is no further option other than to cancel three events, instead planning for their return in 2021 to the following communities:

• 2020 National Women’s Under-18 Championship, Nov. 2-8 in Dawson Creek, B.C.
• 2020 Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup, Dec. 6-12 in Bridgewater, N.S.
• 2020 World Junior A Challenge, Dec. 13-20 in Cornwall, Ont.

The following statement is on behalf of Hockey Canada from Tom Renney, chief executive officer, and Scott Smith, president and chief operating officer:

“At various rates, provinces from coast-to-coast-to-coast have started moving ahead with their phased re-opening, but as it has been since the season was cancelled, Hockey Canada’s priority remains the health and safety of all participants and the general public. We believe the decision to cancel these three events is the safest decision given the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic at the local level, as well as the international implications associated with these events.

Hockey Canada is grateful for the continued support of our local host committees and event partners, including BC Hockey, Hockey Nova Scotia, Hockey Eastern Ontario, NHL Central Scouting, the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) and the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL). We appreciate the commitment and support of everyone involved and we look forward to showcasing some incredible hockey to fans next year.”