Hockey Canada executives have confirmed what we told you this morning --The World Junior Hockey Championship is returning to B.C. in 2019.
The announcement was made at Rogers Arena by Chief Operating Officer Scott Smith:
"It's with great pleasure that this afternoon we announce the 2019 IIHF Jr Hockey Championship will return to British Columbia and be hosted in the cities of Vancouver and Victoria"
Smith says the province of British Columbia and the cities of Vancouver and Victoria have a history of hosting successful, world-class events, including the 2006 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps says the city is thrilled to be selected along with Vancouver calling it an exciting opportunity for the c ommunity - adding the passion we have for hockey at all levels runs deep ...and Vicvtoria looks forward to welcoming the world in 2019.
The Government of British Columbia has committed its support to the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Meantime -- the 2017 World Junior Championship tournament will be held in Montreal and Toronto.