CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada, in partnership with the host committee of the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship and presenting sponsor Canadian Pacific, announced Wednesday information on the pre-tournament games ahead of this year’s World Juniors.

Nine cities throughout the province – Brooks, Calgary, Camrose, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Okotoks, Olds, Red Deer and Three Hills – will play host to games from Dec. 19-23 before the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship begins Dec. 26 in Calgary and Edmonton.

“The culture of sport is part of the fabric of Alberta. Any time a major cultural event can reach out beyond Alberta’s two largest cities to get closer to more Albertans, it is something to celebrate,” said the Honourable Heather Klimchuk, Alberta Minister of Culture and Community Services. “I am delighted to see these games being played in a variety of communities and cannot wait to see the warm welcome Albertans will extend to these young players, team officials and the international media.” 

“This is a tremendous opportunity for hockey fans across Alberta to experience the excitement of the World Juniors,” said Bob Nicholson, president and CEO of Hockey Canada. “We’re thrilled to be taking the future stars of the game to Albertans.”

“As a host committee, our goal has always been to have ‘Alberta United’ for this year’s World Juniors, to bring the action to more than just Calgary and Edmonton,” said Al Coates, executive director of the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship. “We’re excited these communities will have the opportunity to show the teams what Alberta hospitality is all about.”

For more information on tickets to pre-tournament games, CLICK HERE.

For media accreditation requests for all exhibition games please contact Francis Dupont, manager of media relations at  HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" [email protected]. For media accreditation requests during selection camp with Hockey Canada, please contact André Brin, director of communications at [email protected].

For more information on the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, visit www.hockeycanada.ca/2012juniors, or follow along through social media at  www.facebook.com/worldjuniors and www.twitter.com/hc_wjc.