CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has announced the host locations for Canada’s 2025 U18 national club championships, with the Esso Cup set for Lloydminster, Alberta, and the TELUS Cup returning west to the Fraser Valley in British Columbia.

From April 20-26, the Lloydminster Steelers of the Alberta Female Hockey League (AFHL) will welcome five regional champions to compete for Canada’s Women’s U18 National Club Championship at the Centennial Civic Centre, marking the fifth time the Esso Cup has been hosted in Alberta and the first in the Border City.

The Fraser Valley Thunderbirds of the B.C. Elite Hockey League (BCEHL) will make their national championship debut at the TELUS Cup from April 21-27 at the Chilliwack Coliseum, with Canada’s Men’s U18 National Club Championship returning to British Columbia for the first time since 2017. 

“Hosting a national championship is a tremendous undertaking, and we are grateful for the local organizing committees, Hockey Alberta and BC Hockey, for collaborating with our staff to host first-class events in Lloydminster and Chilliwack next spring,” said Pat McLaughlin, Hockey Canada’s chief operating officer and executive vice-president of strategy. “Canada’s U18 national club championships have seen some of the top athletes in our country compete before they’ve gone on to wear the Maple Leaf internationally, and we know hockey fans in Alberta and British Columbia will enjoy watching teams play for gold next spring.”

Fans can sign up now to receive ticket information about the 2025 Esso Cup and 2025 TELUS Cup as it becomes available, or become a Hockey Canada Insider and receive advanced access to tickets and other promotions.

“These tournaments are often once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for the participants, families and fans, and thanks to the generous support of Esso and TELUS, we are excited to build on the legacy of both events in two outstanding hockey markets,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact for Hockey Canada. “We thank all communities that expressed interest in hosting one of these national championships next season and look forward to welcoming the best under-18 clubs in the country in the spring.”

At the 2024 Esso Cup, the Regina Rebels won their first national title in Vernon, B.C., while the Cantonniers de Magog became national champions for the second time at the 2024 TELUS Cup in Membertou, Nova Scotia. Both gold medal games were broadcast on TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada.

To learn more about Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.

CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada has unveiled the schedules for the 2024 editions of the Esso Cup, TELUS Cup and Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, and announced that ticket packages for each tournament are on sale now.

“Hosting our spring events simply would not be possible without the dedicated and passionate volunteers and staff in Membertou, Oakville and Vernon, who have all invested a tremendous amount of time and resources into planning these tournaments,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact. “With the puck set to drop in each community in a few months, we are thrilled to launch ticket packages for all three events and reveal the tournament schedules.

“We are grateful to BC Hockey, Hockey Nova Scotia, the Ontario Hockey Federation and the three respective host communities for their efforts and support to deliver these events, and look forward to continuing to work with them into the spring.”

Anyone interested in volunteering at the Esso Cup, TELUS Cup or Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, can still sign up for one of the available positions to support the delivery of three of Hockey Canada’s marquee national championships.

TSN and RDS, the official broadcasters of Hockey Canada, will air select tournament games, with a full broadcast and streaming schedule to be announced at a later date.

2024 Esso Cup – Vernon, BC

This year, the Esso Cup will return to British Columbia for the first time since 2013, with the Thompson-Okanagan Lakers set to host Canada’s Women’s U18 National Club Championship, April 21-27 at Kal Tire Place in Vernon.

Joined by five regional champions from across Canada, the Lakers will play their first game on April 21 at 7 p.m. PT against the Atlantic winners, following matchups between the West and Ontario champions and Quebec and Pacific titlists earlier in the day.

The Lakers will also face the Pacific on April 22 at 7 p.m. PT, Ontario on April 23 at 3:30 p.m. PT, the West on April 24 at 10:00 a.m. PT and Quebec on April 25 at 7 p.m. PT.

After each team plays five preliminary-round games, the top four clubs will advance to the semifinals on April 26, with the medal games scheduled for April 27.

Tickets for the 2024 Esso Cup can be purchased here.

2024 TELUS Cup – Membertou, NS

The host Sydney Rush will welcome five regional champions to Membertou, Nova Scotia, for the 2024 TELUS Cup, which will take place April 22-28 at Membertou Sport & Wellness Centre.

Sydney opens its schedule against the Pacific champions on April 22 at 7 p.m. AT to finish a three-game opening day that also sees the Central winners face the Atlantic champs and Quebec titlists play the West champions. 

The Rush will also play the West on April 23, Quebec on April 24, the Central on April 25 and the Atlantic on April 26. All games are at 7 p.m. AT.

The tournament semifinals are scheduled for April 27, before the medal games on April 28.

Tickets for the 2024 TELUS Cup are available now.

2024 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons – Oakville, ON

In partnership with the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) and the Town of Oakville, Canada’s top Junior A teams will compete for the 2024 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, May 9-19 at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville, Ontario. The host Oakville Blades will be joined by nine champions from across the CJHL.

Teams will be separated into two groups and each play four preliminary-round games, with the quarterfinals scheduled for May 17, semifinals on May 18 and championship game on May 19.

Group A will include the champions from the Alberta Junior Hockey League, Central Canada Hockey League, Ligue de hockey junior AAA du Québec, Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League and OJHL.

The host Blades and champions from the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, Maritime Hockey League, Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and Superior International Junior Hockey League will form Group B.

Oakville’s first preliminary-round game will be against the Maritime Hockey League champions on May 10, before playing the Superior International Junior Hockey League winners on May 11, Manitoba Junior Hockey League titlists on May 13 and Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League victors on May 15.

All preliminary-round games featuring the Blades will be played at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Tickets are on sale now for the 2024 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons.

To learn more about Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.

CALGARY, AB – Hockey Canada has confirmed the dates and host communities for seven events taking place during the 2023-24 season, including the return of the National Women’s Under-18 Championship.

“Today is an exciting day for Hockey Canada as we announce seven events that play a critical role in the development of men’s, women’s and para hockey athletes, coaches and staff,” said Pat McLaughlin, chief operating officer of Hockey Canada. “We hope that hosting these tournaments will help introduce new fans to the game, create lifelong memories for Canadians and have a positive impact in each community long after the medals have been handed out.”

The 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge will be played Nov. 2-11 in Charlottetown and Summerside, PE, marking the first time in the tournament’s 37-year history that it will be hosted in the province.

Featuring some of the best young women’s hockey players in Canada, the 2023 National Women’s Under-18 Championship will run Nov. 5-11 in Dawson Creek, BC, bringing the event back to the Peace Region for the first time since 2012.

Canada’s National Para Hockey Team will compete for gold with three other countries at the 2023 Para Hockey Cup, which will be held Dec. 3-9 in Quispamsis, NB, marking the fourth Hockey Canada event that Quispamsis has hosted.

Top Canadian and international players will be showcased at the 2023 World Junior A Hockey Challenge from Dec. 10-17 in Truro, NS, as the tournament returns to Atlantic Canada for the fourth time and to Truro for the second time.

In the spring, Canada’s Women’s U18 National Club Championship will be decided at the Esso Cup in Vernon, BC from April 21-27, while the Men’s U18 National Club Championship will be played April 22-28 in Membertou, NS.

The best Junior A teams in Canada will take to the ice at the 2024 Centennial Cup in Oakville, ON, with the Oakville Blades hosting the national championship from May 9-19.

“We are thrilled to share the list of communities that will host Hockey Canada events during the 2023-24 season,” said Dean McIntosh, vice-president of strategic partnerships and community impact. “The support we have received from host committees has been outstanding and we are confident that participants, volunteers, partners and fans will have fantastic experiences at each tournament.”

Ticket information for all seven events can be found here. Tournament schedules will be announced at a later date. 

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

As another season comes to an end, officials are gearing up for Hockey Canada’s spring national championships.

Forty-four officials – 22 referees and 22 linespersons – from across the country have been selected by Hockey Canada for the Esso Cup, Men’s U18 National Club Championship and Centennial Cup.

Officials selected for Esso Cup

The officials chosen for the 2023 Esso Cup in Prince Albert, Sask., are part of the Women’s Officiating Program of Excellence, presented by the Hockey Canada Foundation. As part of this program, they have attended development camps, received ongoing mentorship in their Member programs and been evaluated by national officiating coaches prior to a final selection by Hockey Canada.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for these officials to finish the season with a championship event,” says Dan Hanoomansingh, manager of officiating with Hockey Canada. “These officials have shown well at our development events and we are excited to continue working with them at this championship. As always, we are incredibly grateful to the Hockey Canada Foundation for supporting this program and the development of women and girls in officiating through Hockey Is Hers.”

The officiating coaches for the Esso Cup are Hanoomansingh, Theresa Llorente (Edmonton, Alta.) and Kim Sobkowicz (Outlook, Sask.).

Officials selected for Men's U18 National Club Championship

The officials chosen for the 2023 Men’s U18 National Club Championship in Saint-Hyacinthe, Que., are part of Hockey Quebec’s program of excellence. They have undergone a lengthy identification and evaluation process by Hockey Quebec during the 2022-23 season, with several attending previous Hockey Canada Officiating Program of Excellence camps and national events.

“The U18 club nationals is an exciting opportunity for the officials of the host Member program,” says Hanoomansingh. “These officials have collaborated and competed all year in their home league, forming a cohesive unit, and earned their selection to the national championship.”

The officiating coaches for the Men’s U18 Club Championship are Serge Carpentier and Doug Hayward.

Officials selected for Centennial Cup

The officials who will officiate the 2023 Centennial Cup in Portage la Prairie, Man., are the top officials in their Junior A leagues from across the country. The referees are drawn from Hockey Canada’s National High Performance Program, while the linespersons are drawn from both the National High Performance Program and their Member high performance programs. Officials were coached and evaluated throughout the season across the Canadian Junior Hockey League, prior to their final selection.

“We have high expectations for our elite officials in every game,” says Hanoomansingh. “Even with the expanded, 10-team tournament, the selections for this tournament were extremely competitive. This is an outstanding group of officials and we are looking forward to seeing them hit the ice in Portage la Prairie.”

OKOTOKS, Alta. – The Town of Okotoks will be a hub of hockey activity as the host community of the 2022 Esso Cup and TELUS Cup, with the top men’s and women’s U18 club teams from across Canada converging on Central Alberta to compete for a pair of national championships, May 16-22.

In the Esso Cup, five regional champions will join the host, Prince Albert Bears for Canada’s National Women’s U18 Club Championship. Competing teams include the Fraser Valley Rush (Pacific), Durham West Lightning (Ontario), Northern Selects (Atlantic), Notre Dame Hounds (West), and Remparts du Richelieu (Quebec).

“We cannot wait to drop the puck at two Hockey Canada national championships in Okotoks this week,” said Dean McIntosh, vice-president of events and properties for Hockey Canada. “For the first time, fans will be able to experience the Esso Cup and TELUS Cup in one centralized location, bringing the excitement of Canada’s U18 Club Championships to Foothills County.

“On May 22 we will crown champions at both events for the first time since 2019, and are thrilled that Canadian hockey fans can watch the best U18 club teams in the country compete for a national championship once again.”

The TELUS Cup, Canada’s National Men’s U18 Club Championship, will see the host Sydney Rush take on five regional champions including the Cantonniers de Magog (Quebec), Moncton Flyers (Atlantic), Mississauga Reps (Central), Notre Dame Hounds (West) and Vancouver NE Chiefs (Pacific).

“To have the Esso Cup and TELUS Cup in Okotoks has created a buzz around town and the entire community is excited to have these events in our own backyard,” said Geoff Stewart, President of Okotoks Minor Hockey Association. “Usually, our association slows down at this time of year, and it has been incredible to see and hear the local response from not only the association, but the community. The passion and love of the game in Okotoks is truly unique and having the opportunity to host both tournaments has not been taken for granted.”

Opening ceremonies will take place prior to the evening games on May 16, while the presentation of the tournament awards as well as both the regional and national TELUS and Esso scholarships will be made at the conclusion of the preliminary round.

The tournaments conclude May 22 with Championship Sunday broadcast nationally on TSN and RDS, Hockey Canada’s official broadcast partners, starting with the Esso Cup finale at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT, and the TELUS Cup championship game at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT.

Fans looking to attend the national U18 club championships, supported by Tourism Calgary, can purchase their tickets now at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets. Event packages begin at $70 plus fees, while single-game tickets are available for as low as $10 for preliminary-round games.

For more information on the 2022 Esso Cup and 2022 TELUS Cup, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada has announced the dates and host communities for six events taking place during the 2022-23 season, including the return of the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup and World Junior A Challenge for the first time since 2019.

The communities of Langley and Delta, B.C., will host the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge from Nov. 5-12, bringing some of the top young players in the world to Metro Vancouver.

The 2022 Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup will run from Nov. 27-Dec. 3 in Bridgewater, N.S., marking the first time that the event has been held in the Maritimes since 2016.

A showcase of Canadian and international Junior A talent, the 2022 World Junior A Challenge will take place in Cornwall, Ont., from Dec. 11-18.

Two of Hockey Canada’s national championships will return to their typical April schedule in 2023, with the puck dropping at the Esso Cup in Prince Albert, Sask., on April 23 and the TELUS Cup beginning April 24 in Saint-Hyacinthe, Que.

The Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, will be hosted in Portage la Prairie, Man., in May 2023, bringing Canada’s National Junior A Championship to Manitoba for a fourth time.

“We are excited to announce the host communities for six events taking place in 2022-23, and we cannot wait to bring some of the top hockey events in the world to fans across Canada,” said Dean McIntosh, vice-president of events and properties for Hockey Canada. “Hosting events of this magnitude would not be possible without our incredible local partners, and we are very grateful for their support as we count down to puck drop.”

Tickets are available now for the 2022 World Junior A Challenge in Cornwall, Ont., at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets, while on-sale dates for the remaining events will be announced at a later date.

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, become a Hockey Canada Insider, or follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The officiating rosters are set for Hockey Canada’s spring national championships.

Forty-four officials – 22 referees and 22 linespersons – from across the country have been selected by Hockey Canada for the Esso Cup, TELUS Cup and Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons.

“After three long years, it is a thrill to have our spring national championships back, and to be able to select officials to work these prestigious events,” says Dan Hanoomansingh, manager of officiating with Hockey Canada. “Officials work hard through the season for the opportunity to be on the ice in these big games and, just like the players, they have been patiently awaiting the return of these events.”

OFFICIALS SELECTED FOR ESSO CUP AND TELUS CUP

The 28 officials chosen to work Canada’s national U18 club championships were coached and evaluated through the season in their Member programs, before final selection by Hockey Canada.

Officials will arrive in Okotoks on May 14 for two days of preparation and training with Hockey Canada’s high-performance officiating coaches, prior to the start of the tournaments.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for these officials,” says Hanoomansingh. “These are some of the best and brightest young officials from Member high-performance programs across the country. If you look back at the rosters for past events, those officials have gone on to great success both on and off the ice, and I have no doubt the same will be true for this group.”

The officiating coaches for the 2022 Esso Cup are Dan Hanoomansingh (Vancouver, B.C.) and Vanessa Stratton (Windsor, Ont.). The officiating coaches for 2022 TELUS Cup are Marc Maisonneuve (Gatineau, Que.) and Kirk Wood (Langley, B.C.).

OFFICIALS SELECTED FOR CENTENNIAL CUP

The 16 officials who will work Canada’s National Junior A Championship are among the best at the Junior A level across Canada. The expanded, 10-team tournament has provided greater opportunities than in past years. Officials were coached and evaluated throughout the season in across the Canadian Junior Hockey League, before final selection by Hockey Canada.

“We push our elite officials to perform at a championship level every game,” says Hanoomansingh. “The national high-performance group is incredibly competitive, with a limited number of assignments available each year. So, the postponements and cancellations of the past two seasons have been especially challenging, but this group has stayed focused, continued to perform and earned the opportunity to officiate at this event.”

The officiating coaches for the 2022 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, are Brad Howard (Regina, Sask.) and Curtis Nichols (Red Deer, Alta.).

For more information on the Hockey Canada Officiating Program, visit HockeyCanada.ca/Officials .

CALGARY, Alta. – In collaboration with the local organizing committees of its three spring 2022 national championships, Hockey Canada has announced changes to the Esso Cup, TELUS Cup and Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, for this season.

The 2022 Esso Cup and 2022 TELUS Cup will run from May 16–22 in a centralized location in Alberta, while the Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, will be held May 19-29 in Estevan, Sask.

The Prince Albert Bears and Sydney Rush, who were originally scheduled to host the Esso Cup and TELUS Cup, respectively, will remain as host teams for the 2022 events and will travel to Alberta to compete. Hockey Canada will continue to work with the host communities of Prince Albert, Sask., and Cape Breton, N.S., to plan to host future events.

“After having to cancel our spring national championships in 2020 and 2021, we are excited that today’s announcement is one step closer to crowning national champions in May,” said Dean McIntosh, vice-president of events and properties for Hockey Canada. “While we are disappointed we will not be hosting national championships in Prince Albert and Cape Breton this spring, we look forward to returning to both communities in the future. They have been tremendous partners and support the changes that are being made for the benefit of the athletes.”

The new dates for the 2022 Esso Cup and 2022 TELUS Cup will allow for each region to decide a champion through its traditional playdown schedule. The 2022 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, will be a 10-team event hosted in partnership with the City of Estevan, Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) and Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), with the host Estevan Bruins welcoming the champions of the nine CJHL leagues.

“We would like to thank the local organizing committees, our Members and the CJHL for their collaboration to determine championship formats that ensure the safety for all participants while allowing the leagues the opportunity to finish their seasons and compete for a national title. Moving events of this magnitude is a process that involves all partners, and without the support of all constituents it would not be possible,” added McIntosh.  

Schedules and ticket information for the spring 2022 national championships will be announced at a later date.

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

CALGARY, Alta. – Following the February cancellation of all spring 2021 events, Hockey Canada has announced the new host cities for its three spring 2022 national championships – the Esso Cup, TELUS Cup and Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons.

The Esso Cup will return to Saskatchewan for the third time in 2022 when the Prince Albert Bears host Canada’s National Women’s U18 Club Championship at the 3,299-seat Art Hauser Centre, April 17-23. The TELUS Cup, Canada’s National U18 Club Championship, will head to Cape Breton, N.S., for the first time, with the Sydney Rush welcoming the event to the 1,250-seat Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre, April 18-24.

The Esso Cup represents a partnership between Hockey Canada, the local organizing committee and the Saskatchewan Hockey Association (SHA), while the TELUS Cup is a partnership between Hockey Canada, the local organizing committee and Hockey Nova Scotia.

The Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, will head to Estevan, Sask., in 2022, marking the event’s return to the province for the first time since 2012. The Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) will play host to the tournament from May 20-29 at the 2,700-seat Affinity Place. The 2022 Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, represents a partnership between Hockey Canada, the local organizing committee, the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), SJHL and SHA.

“Hockey Canada is excited to mark the return of its national championships in 2022 by announcing Prince Albert, Cape Breton and Estevan as the hosts of our three spring events next year,” said Dean McIntosh, vice-president of events and properties for Hockey Canada. “Despite not being able to host national events since 2019, we know the local organizing committees in these three communities will deliver world-class experiences to all participants. Hockey Canada recognizes the excitement for a possible return to fans in the stands, and we look forward to welcoming back hockey fans in these communities if it is deemed safe to do so.”

Historically, Hockey Canada’s national championships generate up to $2 million in local economic impact, while the net proceeds from all ticket sales remain in the host communities as a legacy to support programs that foster the growth of grassroots hockey.

Schedules and ticket information for the 2022 Esso Cup, TELUS Cup and Centennial Cup, presented by Tim Hortons, will be available at a later date.

While Hockey Canada continues to work closely with local, provincial and national health authorities, the dates and locations for three of Hockey Canada’s 2021 fall events have been confirmed. This includes the 2021 National Women’s Under-18 Championship, Oct. 31-Nov. 6 in Dawson Creek, B.C.; 2021 Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup, Dec. 5-11 in Bridgewater, N.S.; and 2021 World Junior A Challenge, Dec. 12-18 in Cornwall, Ont.

For more information on Hockey Canada, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook and Twitter.