Very few things are as distinctly Canadian as hockey, and when it comes to performing on the world stage, our national athletes always represent.
On Wednesday, the schedule for the World Juniors pre-tournament was announced, listing 12 pre-tournament games in 9 B.C. communities, including Victoria.
The games will take place between December 18th – 23rd, leading into the World Juniors’ official start on December 26th.
On December 19th, hockey fans can watch Team Canada face off against Switzerland at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, and on the 21st, our national team will be playing against Slovakia in the same rink.
For fans who just can’t get enough hockey, pre-tournament games will also be played in other communities on the Island, like a December 19th Czech Republic vs. Slovakia game in Nanaimo, and two games in Port Alberni.
“This series of exhibition games will give thousands of British Columbians the opportunity to see top notch international junior hockey in their home communities,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture in a press release.
“The Province of British Columbia is committed to hosting events like these to help inspire more people to get physically active and to boost local businesses.”
This year will mark the 13th times Canada has hosted the pre-tournament for the World Juniors.
The full pre-tournament World Juniors Schedule
- Dec. 18, 2018 | Russia vs. Sweden | Prospera Place | Kelowna
- Dec. 19, 2018 | Kazakhstan vs. Alberni Valley (BCHL) | Weyerhauser Arena | Port Alberni
- Dec. 19, 2018 | Czech Republic vs. Slovakia | Frank Crane Arena | Nanaimo
- Dec. 19, 2018 | Denmark vs. Finland | Langley Events Centre | Langley
- Dec. 19, 2018 | Canada vs. Switzerland | Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre | Victoria
- Dec. 20, 2018 | Russia vs. United States | Sandman Centre | Kamloops
- Dec. 21, 2018 | Kazakhstan vs. Switzerland | Weyerhauser Arena | Port Alberni
- Dec. 21, 2018 | Canada vs. Slovakia | Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre | Victoria
- Dec. 22, 2018 | Denmark vs. Sweden | Prospera Centre | Chilliwack
- Dec. 22, 2018 | United States vs. Czech Republic | Langley Events Centre | Langley
- Dec. 23, 2018 | Switzerland vs. Russia | Bill Copeland Arena | Burnaby
- Dec. 23, 2018 | Canada vs. Finland | Rogers Arena | Vancouver
Pre-tournament World Juniors games in Victoria
- When: Dec. 19th and Dec. 21st. Puck drops for both games at 5:00 p.m.
- Where: Save on Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard St.
Tickets can be purchased here.
