Kitchener and London hosting exhibition games between Canada and Sweden ahead of World Juniors

Kitchener Rangers hold their annual training camp at The Aud on Aug. 27, 2024. (Spencer Turcotte/CTV News)

Before Canada plays Sweden at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, the two teams will face off at the Aud in Kitchener and Canada Life Place in London.

The Kitchener Rangers and London Knights will host the pre-tournament games.

The first match is set for Dec. 17 at the Aud.

“Hosting world-class talent in one of the most historic and iconic arenas in the Canadian Hockey League is a true honour for our community,” Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said in a press release. “We look forward to giving our fans a chance to witness the future stars of the game up close, while showcasing our great city.”

The two teams will then head to London for a re-match on Dec. 20.

The puck drops at 7 p.m. for both games.

Tickets start at $40. Ticket holders will get first dibs on Oct. 27, then sales open up to the general public on Oct. 31 at 10 a.m.

“We cannot wait to show fans across the country and around the world the passion that our community has for hockey and ultimately help the two teams prepare to compete at the World Juniors,” Joe Birch, the chief operating officer and governor of the Kitchener Rangers, said in the release.

The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship gets underway in Minneapolis on Dec. 26.

TSN and RDS, which are both owned by CTV, will broadcast all three of Canada’s pre-tournament games.

Memorial Cup bid

The Rangers also have their eye on another big tournament.

This summer, the team submitted a bid to host the 2027 Memorial Cup.

The Canadian Hockey League eventually whittled it down to two finalists – the Kitchener Rangers and Guelph Storm.

The team that wins hosting duties will also play in the tournament.

A Site Selection Committee is still deciding who will host the 2027 Memorial Cup. The big announcement is expected in late November or early December.