KAMLOOPS, B.C. – The road to the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship in Vancouver and Victoria this December begins this weekend as the Sport Chek World Junior Showcase gets underway for 40 of Canada’s National Junior Team hopefuls.

From July 28-Aug. 4 at the Sandman Centre, Canada will be joined by Finland, Sweden, and the United States to play 11 games over eight days. Canada will dress two squads for games against a split Team USA on July 31, before combining as Team Canada ahead of games against Finland on Aug. 2, Sweden on Aug. 3 and the United States on Aug. 4.

“This week is a tremendous opportunity for our players, and an important step for our scouting and coaching staff,” said Scott Salmond, Hockey Canada’s senior vice-president, national teams. “The chance to play against Finland, Sweden, and Team USA will aid in our evaluation process as we look to put together a team of the best junior players who will represent our country in December.”

TSN, the official broadcaster of Hockey Canada, will broadcast Canada’s final three games against Finland, Sweden and the United States; check local listings for details.

Following the eight-day showcase, Brad McEwen, head scout for Hockey Canada, will continue to monitor and scout the 40 players and other potential candidates at the start of the 2018-19 season and at the CHL Canada-Russia Series to determine the invites to Canada’s National Junior Team selection camp in December. Following the selection camp, 22 players will wear the red-and-white looking for back-to-back gold medals when they REPRESENT Canada on home ice at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship from Dec. 26, 2018 to Jan. 5, 2019.

Ticket Information:

Fans already eager to REPRESENT this December, can get a glimpse of the future as single-game tickets are now on sale. Ticket packages, including all Showcase games, are also available online at HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets and at the Sandman Centre box office for $139 plus fees.

For more information on Hockey Canada, Canada’s National Junior Team, and the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along through social media on Facebook, and Twitter or #WorldJuniors