Fans fill The Aud in Kitchener to cheer on Team Canada ahead of 2026 World Juniors

The World Junior Hockey Championships are just over a week away but Waterloo Region fans got a glimpse of the action at home. CTV’s Alexandra Holyk has more.

Fans lined the block outside the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Wednesday evening to cheer on Team Canada ahead of the 2026 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

The boys in red faced off against Sweden in their first of two exhibition games in southwestern Ontario. The final score was 2-1, with Canada taking the win with a goal in the third period.

This year’s World Juniors will be held in Minnesota, but the pre-tournament games give fans a glimpse of the action closer to home.

“When you think of the World Juniors, it’s the greatest junior hockey tournament in the world,” said Branden Crowe, Hockey Canada’s communications coordinator. “And why not do it in a junior hockey crazy market like Kitchener?”

Staff at The Aud said hosting the event is “an incredible honour.”

“It’s a prestigious event,” said Allyson Samms, manager at The Aud. “It’s something that we have been going after and hoping to invite into our venue. The Aud is turning 75, but that is not holding us back from doing exciting things.”

Fans travelled from near and far to watch Canada’s best.

“I’m glad it came to Kitchener,” said longtime Kitchener resident Jim Workman. “It’s our only opportunity to see it, absolutely great.”

“It’s a lot of pride for the city,” added local hockey fan Naomi Courville. “It’s really awesome, brings a lot of people to the city, a lot of movement in the community.”

Others travelled from Brantford, Ont. and Port Elgin, Ont., near Saugeen Shores.

“I’m really amazed, honestly,” said 13-year-old Manix Martindale. “It’s really awesome.”

While the final Team Canada roster is yet to be determined, Kitchener Rangers fans had a chance to see one of their own on the ice.

“We’ve got a Kitchener Ranger on the roster in Cameron Reid, which is extra special for him,” said Crowe.

The team of young players are also inspiring the next generation.

“The whole team’s amazing,” said Owen, a young fan. “They’re all who I look up to.”

Before fans of all ages tune in for the World Juniors on Boxing Day, teams Canada and Sweden head to London, Ont. on Saturday for their second pre-tournament game at Canada Life Place.

“This group is ready to go,” Crowe said. “They’re fired up. They’re excited … It’s been a level of energy that I haven’t seen in quite some time.”

Puck drop on Saturday is at 7 p.m., while Canada faces off against Czechia in Minneapolis at 8:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 26.