Moncton and Halifax to host 2023 World Junior Hockey Championship

It is official. New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have been chosen to host the 2023 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship.

The worldwide match will happen on the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax and Avenir Centre in Moncton from Dec. 26, 2022 to Jan. 5, 2023.

“We're able to roll out the welcome mat for the groups, their households and visiting followers, and I’ll be within the enviornment with hundreds of Nova Scotians, cheering at each recreation," mentioned Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston in a information launch.

“This world occasion will showcase our province and our area, and we'll present an unforgettable expertise for each New Brunswickers and people visiting," mentioned New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs in a information launch.

TSN's Darren Dreger tweeted Thursday morning that an announcement confirming Halifax and Moncton because the host cities was anticipated later within the day.

Anticipate n official announcement early this afternoon confirming Halifax/Moncton have been awarded the 2023 World Junior Hockey Championship.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) Could 5, 2022

 

CTV Information first reported the joint bid from the Maritime area's two largest cities again in March. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick put a mixed $5 million into the bid.

Scott Smith, the president and CEO Hockey Canada, says the area received the bid as a result of it is prepared forward of different cities.

"What was proposed within the submission met the power and the viability to have the ability to assess the execution of that," he mentioned.

There may be nonetheless no info as to how the video games can be cut up up between the Scotiabank and Avenir centres.

"Halifax is a hockey city and so is Moncton,” mentioned Halifax Mayor Mike Savage. “Internet hosting the World Juniors will assist our area rebound from the pandemic, have a good time our ardour for the sport and encourage the following era of hockey gamers in our area."

“Popping out of a difficult two years, our area, hockey followers and gamers are able to rally collectively to host the world and as soon as once more have a good time Atlantic Canada on the worldwide stage," mentioned Moncton Mayor Daybreak Arnold.

The 2023 match was initially scheduled to be held in Russia, however the Worldwide Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) eliminated the nation's internet hosting rights following the invasion of Ukraine.

Halifax and Sydney beforehand co-hosted the World Junior Hockey Championships in 2003.

Fred MacGillivray, chair of the 2003 World Junior Hockey Championship, mentioned the connection between Halifax and Hockey Canada was a deciding issue to bringing the match again to the Maritimes.

"They regarded again upon the great success of Halifax with three world championships," he mentioned. "They know clearly that they've the power to host."

MacGillivray says the placement of the Scotiabank Centre in downtown Halifax -- near inns and eating places -- is a significant benefit.

"Moncton, after all, has performed loads as nicely. It is a good mixture with these two cities."

Craig Eagles, a junior hockey analyst in Moncton, says the four-year-old Avenir Centre, mixed with town's latest observe report of internet hosting main occasions, additionally labored in Moncton's favour.

"The Memorial Cup in 2005-2006 was a tremendous occasion," mentioned Eagles. "Moncton actually supported that occasion. With the World Juniors coming right here to the Hub Metropolis, the outpouring of assist for this hockey neighborhood and metropolis, it is going to be unbelievable."