Camrose to host 2024 World Junior A Challenge

Hockey Canada, the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) and Hockey Alberta announced today that the city of Camrose will be hosting the 2024 World Junior A Challenge at the Encana Arena which will be hosted from Dec. 9-15.

The tournament represents a partnership with Hockey Canada, the CJHL, Hockey Alberta, NHL Central Scouting and the local organizing committee.

“Hosting a prestigious tournament like the Junior A World Challenge fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment. We know our community will come together, support the event and create an exciting atmosphere for fans and teams,” said tournament co-chair Boris Rybalka, who coached Canada West when Camrose hosted in 2008, and won gold at the first two editions of the tournament in 2006 and 2007.

“We are grateful to the volunteers, fans, scouts and sponsors for supporting the tournament and are grateful to Hockey Canada for entrusting us to host this event,” added co-chair Ken Duggan.

“Communities across Alberta have proven to be excellent hosts for multiple Hockey Canada events and we know Camrose will carry on that tradition with the 2024 Junior A World Challenge,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact with Hockey Canada.“We look forward to welcoming teams and fans in our return to Camrose, and leaving a lasting legacy while also fostering the growth and support of hockey in the region.”

Since the tournament’s inception in 2006, more than 300 players have gone on to play in the National Hockey League which includes 45 first-round draft selections including Brock Boeser, David Pastrnak, Vladimir Tarasenko, Kyle Connor, Dylan Holloway, Elias Lindholm, Jaden Schwartz and more.

During last year’s installment of the tournament, Canada West captured gold defeating Canada East, while the United States took home a bronze medal.