Canada to Host Five Women’s International Hockey Tournaments Through 2030

The International Ice Hockey Federation will have five women’s international tournaments heading to Canada in the next six years after an announcement made during the World Junior Championships that concluded over the weekend.

The expanded partnership will see Canada host the U18 Women’s World Championship in 2026, 2028 and 2030, in addition to the Women’s World Championship in 2027 and 2030. The 49th edition of the World Junior Championship saw USA Hockey win the gold medal in a dramatic overtime finale against Finland on Sunday.

“Hosting IIHF championships is a tremendous privilege we do not take for granted, and we are grateful for their support of this landmark agreement,” said Katherine Henderson, president and chief executive officer of Hockey Canada. “Investing in the growth and development of women’s and girls’ hockey is a top priority for Hockey Canada, and we are thrilled that our athletes, coaches, and staff will participate in an unprecedented number of world championships on home ice in the coming years.”

Henderson made the announcement during the World Juniors in Ottawa with IIHF president Luc Tardif. No other country has hosted more World Juniors (17) and Women’s Worlds (9) than Canada. Of the nine previous Women’s Worlds held in Canada, five were held in Ontario — Ottawa in 1990 and 2013; Kitchener 1997; Mississauga 2000; and Brampton 2023. The other four took place in Nova Scotia (Halifax/Dartmouth 2004), Manitoba (Winnipeg/Selkirk 2007), British Columbia (Kamloops 2016), and Alberta (Calgary 2021).

“The creation of the new PWHL has inspired many girls and women to play hockey,” said Jonathan Goldbloom, chair of Hockey Canada’s Board of Directors. “We are happy to announce that Hockey Canada will be bringing these tournaments to fans across the country. This will be the first time Canada will be hosting so many women’s events in such a short period. We intend to elevate the experience for coaches, players, officials, and fans.”

Additionally, Canada will host the World Juniors again in two years, in Alberta, as well as in 2030 and 2033