Ottawa prepares for puck drop at the World Juniors Dec. 26

The puck drops for the IIHF World Junior Championship on Boxing Day. For the opening day of 2025 championship will see eight teams take the ice in Ottawa.

Sweden is playing Slovakia at 12 p.m., the United States is facing Germany at 2:30 p.m., Czechia is battling Switzerland at 5 p.m. and Canada is taking on Finland at 7:30 p.m.

The last time Ottawa hosted the tournament was in 2009. Since, hockey culture has grown in the city with many changes including the creation of a PWHL team.

“Our government is proud to support the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, and we look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to the Ottawa area for this major international event,” Neil Lumsden, Ontario’s minister of sport, said in a news release in September. “Fans of all ages will get the chance to watch the hockey stars of tomorrow in action, right here in Ontario – reinforcing our province’s status as a premier sport hosting destination.”

In Dec. 2023, the province announced a $4 million investment for the 2025 World Juniors to benefit the planning and delivery of the event.

More than 155,000 fans, not just from Canada, signed up for the chance to purchase tournament ticket packages and access a pre-sale for single-game tickets that began Sept. 18. Tickets are selling out fast but a select few are still available.

Brayden Yager from Saskatoon, SK. will wear the coveted ‘C’ for Canada with Tanner Molendyk, Calum Ritchie to serve as alternate captains.

“I am excited for our group to take the ice in Ottawa and continue working towards our goal of winning a gold medal on home ice,” Yager said in a press release. “Tanner and Calum are great players and teammates that are deserving of this honour, and I look forward to serving on the leadership group with them and wearing the Maple Leaf with pride in front of Canadian fans.”

While the World Juniors are set to end Jan. 5, that won’t be the end for hockey celebrations. On Dec. 17, Hockey Canada and its member partners in newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Quebec announced the host communities and tournament dates for the 2025 U17 World Challenge, the 2025 Junior A World Challenge, and the U18 Women’s National Championship. 

“Hockey Canada takes great pride in welcoming premier hockey events and hockey talent to communities across the country,” Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact with Hockey Canada, said in a press release. “From sponsors to volunteers, communities over the years have proven to be excellent hosts, ensuring lasting memories and legacy for all participants.”