FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Lloydminster, AB/SK – Lloydminster will welcome international hockey talent this December as part of the Road to the World Juniors, leading up to the IIHF World Junior Championship 2027 in Edmonton and Red Deer.
Cenovus Energy Hub will host a pre-tournament game between Latvia and Germany on December 19, 2026, giving local hockey fans an opportunity to experience international competition ahead of the championship, which begins December 26.
Lloydminster is one of six Alberta communities selected to host pre-tournament games between December 17 and 23, 2026. A total of 12 games will take place across Cold Lake, Red Deer, Camrose, Lloydminster, Edmonton and Blackfalds.
In addition to hosting the pre-tournament game, Lloydminster will welcome Latvia’s National Junior Team for its pre-tournament training camp as the team prepares to compete against some of the world’s top under-20 hockey players.
“Lloydminster has a proud hockey tradition, and we’re excited to welcome international players, coaches and fans to our community,” says Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “Hosting Latvia and Germany at Cenovus Energy Hub is a tremendous opportunity for local hockey fans to experience some of the sport’s top young talent right here at home. We look forward to showcasing our community and being part of the excitement leading up to the World Juniors 2027.”
“As anticipation for the IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton and Red Deer continues to build, we are excited to unveil the Road to the World Juniors schedule and provide fans in six communities across the Province of Alberta with the opportunity to experience this prestigious event before the puck drops on Boxing Day,” says Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact with Hockey Canada. “We know fans and volunteers in each community take pride in welcoming the world and are excited to give all 10 teams a world-class experience as they prepare to compete for a gold medal in December and January.”
The IIHF World Junior Championship 2027 will feature 10 national teams competing for gold in Edmonton and Red Deer. Ahead of the tournament, seven Alberta communities will host international teams for training camps, providing opportunities for local communities to take part in the excitement surrounding the championship.
Presale tickets for the December 19 game are available now, with sales opening to the general public on October 22 at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Showpass.com/WorldJuniorsLloydminster. Seating will be general admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
Residents interested in receiving information about future presale opportunities at Cenovus Energy Hub can sign up at Cenovus Energy Hub Presale Updates.
For more information about the Road to the World Juniors and the IIHF World Junior Championship 2027, visit HockeyCanada.ca
