Hockey Canada, on behalf of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), has announced the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship will return to British Columbia. The Site Selection Committee awarded the tournament to the Province of B.C. and BC Hockey in a live press conference from Rogers Arena in Vancouver.

The 2019 World Juniors will mark the 13th time that Canada hosts the event and the second for the province. The tournament will be co-hosted by Vancouver and Victoria starting on Dec. 26, 2018, with the championship final game taking place at Rogers Arena in Vancouver on Jan. 5, 2019.

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British Columbia has a long history of hosting world championships, including the World Juniors in 2006 and most recently the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Canada Sevens World Rugby Series, and the IIHF Women’s World Hockey Championships. B.C. has also hosted two of the most recognized sporting events in the world – the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2010. The 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship is a particularly exciting tournament as it marks the 100th anniversary of BC Hockey, a remarkable milestone for the sport in this province.

Events such as the IIHF’s 2019 World Junior Championship reinforce B.C.’s international reputation as a world class host of major events and a destination of choice for sport tourism.

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Premier Christy Clark –

“The world juniors are an opportunity to see the next generation of hockey greats, leaving everything on the ice as they compete for their countries. It’s always one of the most exciting events of the year, and we’re proud to welcome the world back to Vancouver and Victoria in 2019.”

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development –

“It is exciting to have the world juniors return to Canadian ice, marking the 100th anniversary of BC Hockey. These young athletes serve as inspiration for our youth in British Columbia and support government’s goal to provide sport participants of all levels and abilities the opportunity to develop from playground to podium. We look forward to welcoming these elite athletes, their coaches and fans from around the world.”

Scott Smith, chief operating officer, Hockey Canada –

“While hosted in Vancouver and Victoria, the bid put forward by BC Hockey and the Province is truly provincial in nature, with positive impacts extending province-wide to communities beyond the two host-cities. The province of British Columbia and the cities of Vancouver and Victoria have a history of hosting successful, world-class events, including the 2006 IIHF World Junior Championship. We are confident in this committee’s ability to successfully execute on their vision for the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship, and we look forward to working with them to ensure we leave a lasting legacy in B.C. and across the country that helps us continue to grow and foster the game from the grassroots to elite levels.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the Government of British Columbia has invested more than $1 billion to support sport in B.C.
• In 2016-17, the Province is investing close to $50 million in sport funding and $98 million in the tourism sector.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/community-sport-and-cultural-development

To learn more about the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/jobs-tourism-and-skills-training