CALGARY, Alta. – The medal round at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship begins today in Halifax, N.S., and Moncton, N.B., but the tournament’s legacy is already positioned to support programs in communities throughout Canada for years to come through the proceeds of World Juniors 50/50 draws.

More than $1 million in World Juniors 50/50 tickets have been sold to hockey fans in six participating provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Saskatchewan), with net proceeds going to support organizations that work towards greater safety and inclusiveness in and around hockey.

With each World Juniors 50/50 ticket purchase, fans are contributing to meaningful programs in their communities, as the net proceeds go to initiatives in that province, while the remaining half of the jackpots go to winning fans in the six provinces.

World Juniors 50/50 tickets are available at WorldJuniors5050.ca.

Proceeds from World Juniors 50/50 draws go towards the following initiatives in each participating province:

Alberta – Proceeds will be invested directly into grassroots initiatives in the province and increase the capacity of Hockey Alberta members to deliver a positive experience for all participants at the local level.

British Columbia – Proceeds will be invested directly into female hockey initiatives, including initiation programs.

New Brunswick and Nova Scotia – Proceeds from World Juniors 50/50 draws will benefit three areas: sexual violence education, female hockey associations, and additional diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives determined by Hockey New Brunswick and Hockey Nova Scotia.

Ontario – Proceeds will benefit a number of key initiatives, including support to families demonstrating financial need for hockey registration, funding for equipment for players and families, and education programs on gender identity and expression.

Saskatchewan – Proceeds will support programs with minor hockey associations in the province.

Don’t miss your chance to win more and give more with this year’s World Juniors 50/50 draws! For a complete draw schedule, please check your province’s 50/50 page.

UFA, Russia – Hockey Canada and ebay.ca will launch the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship auction on Friday, Dec. at 8 a.m. ET/5 a.m. PT. Up for auction are Team Canada’s game-worn jerseys, gloves, and helmets.

The jerseys up for grabs are Team Canada’s white jerseys, worn exclusively by Canada’s National Junior Team at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ufa.

Canada’s roster includes returning players Dougie Hamilton, Scott Harrington, Jonathan Huberdeau, Boone Jenner, Mark Scheifele and Ryan Strome, a total of 10 NHL first-round picks and many more future NHL stars currently representing Canada at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship.

All proceeds from the sale of game-worn items will go to the Hockey Canada Foundation, whose mission is to support Hockey Canada by promoting and fostering accessibility to the game of hockey. Proceeds of this auction will support Hockey Canada Foundation initiatives that help ensure Canada remains at the forefront in the development and promotion of amateur hockey as well as creating access to our game.

The auction will last 10 days, closing on Jan.. Shipment will commence for paid items on Jan..

For more information on the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship, please visit www.hockeycanada.ca, and follow along via social media at www.facebook.com/hockeycanada, www.twitter.com/hockeycanada and www.twitter.com/hc_teamcanada.

by Lucas Aykroyd – iihf.com

Steve McCarthy’s career is loaded with connections and parallels to the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship in Russia.

That might initially seem like a surprising assertion about a 31-year-old Canadian defenceman who currently plays for the AHL’s Abbotsford Heat.

However, McCarthy’s second straight World Junior appearance in 2001 was in Russia – although it was in Moscow, rather than this year’s site, Ufa. That was also the last time Russia hosted the tournament.

Chosen 23rd overall in the 1999 NHL draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, McCarthy was named the 2001 team captain by coach Stan Butler. The Trail, B.C., native was expected to help Canada improve on its bronze medal-winning performance the year before (although ultimately the Canadians came third again).

That’s exactly the same position Team Canada’s in this year, having finished third behind Sweden and Russia on home ice in Calgary in 2012. And like Canada in 2000, the 2013 team is also expected to take gold after missing out on top spot for three straight years.

"With the team going there this year, they’ll have a great team like Canada always does," McCarthy told IIHF.com in a phone interview. "The ultimate is to win the gold medal, which hopefully they can do. But in terms of advice I’d give, the biggest thing is to just relax. You put enough pressure on yourself. Sometimes when you’re in the moment, you forget to enjoy it."

At times, the Canadians were a little bit intimidated by their surroundings in Russia, which McCarthy described as "completely different from what we’re used to". They didn’t venture far from their team hotel and the language barrier was challenging, just as it is for Russians in North America.

One of the toughest moments for McCarthy and his teammates was losing a 3-1 round-robin tilt to the host Russians. Their frustration was compounded by a 17-year-old Ilya Kovalchuk’s decision to pump his fist demonstratively before potting the final empty-net goal.

Does that memory still infuriate the Heat assistant captain today?

"No, not anymore," McCarthy said. "I remember when I went to the Atlanta Thrashers, I talked to Kovy about that. He was a young kid at the time. He was just pretty excited playing in Russia. Personally, it’s obviously something you don’t want to see, but after getting to know Kovy a bit, that’s just how he is. He’s a good person and a good teammate. I learned to let that go. But it was a tough pill to swallow in the heat of the moment, for sure."

It wasn’t as if McCarthy was surrounded by sub-par teammates at that 2001 tournament. For example, Dany Heatley, a 2010 Olympic gold medallist who’s now Canada’s all-time leading scorer internationally, and Jay Bouwmeester, possibly the NHL’s best skater and a two-time world champion (2003, 2004), were part of the mix. To name a few others, Brad Boyes, Mike Cammalleri, Nick Schultz and Dan Hamhuis were also destined for NHL success and IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship stardom.

But the Canadians just couldn’t solve a physical Finnish squad that featured tournament all-stars in goalie Ari Ahonen, defenceman Tuukka Mäntylä and winger Jani Rita. The Finns tied them 2-2 in the round-robin and prevailed 5-2 in the semifinals. 

"I remember after we lost and were unable to compete for the gold medal," McCarthy said. "Our coaches came in and said: ‘Look, you’re playing for the bronze medal. I know it seems detrimental now, but when you look back later, if you can win a bronze medal, you’ll be proud of it.’ They were exactly right."

Raffi Torres scored on Sweden’s Henrik Lundvqist in overtime to lift Canada to a 2-1 win in the 2001 bronze medal game.

The experience also gave McCarthy some perspective on the value that players under 18 can bring. In 2001, both Bouwmeester and future Ottawa Senators star Jason Spezza were participating in their second tournament at age 17.

What McCarthy witnessed made him optimistic that this year, Halifax Mooseheads teammates Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin – both 17 – can get the job done against players a year or two older.

"With the older players Canada’s using this year, like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, they’ll make sure [MacKinnon and Drouin] are integrated into the team," McCarthy said. "You’ll never know that they’re 17-year-olds. That’s the great thing about Team Canada – all the team-building exercises and how fast you come together. Those kids might be a little bit nervous, but after a day or so, they’re going to realize that they’re welcome with open arms."

After his World Junior days ended, McCarthy racked up 302 NHL games with the Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and Atlanta Thrashers. Yet while he loved appearing in his first NHL game against San Jose, and scoring his first NHL goal in front of family and friends in Vancouver, playing in the World Juniors still remained a career highlight. "It’s something I’ll always remember and be proud of," McCarthy said. He still hangs out with U20 teammate and fellow British Columbia native Barret Jackman in the summer to this day.

And McCarthy’s involvement with Russia wasn’t over. After coming off a tough third season with Atlanta, the veteran signed with the KHL’s Salavat Yulayev Ufa for 2008-09. What did he think of this year’s World Junior host city?

"I went, I gave it a shot, and I had a good experience," McCarthy said. "Unfortunately I got hurt and it was cut short. But for the young players going to this year’s World Juniors, it’s a nice little place. The people are very nice and you’re going to get treated well. The Ufa Arena is a great building. It’s a hockey town and the rink will be full. I have nothing but great things to say about the Russian people and the way I was treated in Ufa. The players made me feel welcome too."

Two well-known ex-NHLers helped McCarthy adjust to the overseas lifestyle during his 18-game stint.

"I had a chance to live with Alexander Radulov in a two-bedroom apartment," said McCarthy. "He’d been in Nashville, so he spoke English and he took care of me. Then you had an older guy in Oleg Tverdovsky, who played a lot of years in the NHL, and I could lean on him over there. They’d help me with going to restaurants and stores, stuff like that."

McCarthy, who subsequently spent a season with the Finnish SM-liiga’s TPS Turku (2010-11) and won a championship with the Swiss NLA’s ZSC Lions (2011-12), has an interesting perspective on the styles of top European leagues.

"I think the fastest league would probably be the Swiss league," he said. "Especially on the big ice, all three leagues are fast, but I’d say Switzerland was the fastest. In Russia, it’s similar, but there are a few older players, guys who have played in the NHL and have more experience. There may be more control to the game. In Finland, it’s very similar to North America. Maybe a little faster than the AHL, but pretty close. The Finns have a physical league – maybe even more physical than over here at times."

With just two seconds left, McCarthy scored the winning goal in Game 7 of the Swiss finals last year against SC Bern. It was an amazing triumph under his erstwhile Atlanta coach, Bob Hartley. But today, this World Junior veteran isn’t necessarily looking to grab the spotlight with the Heat, who look like bona fide contenders for the AHL’s Calder Cup.

"I enjoy being in Abbotsford," McCarthy said. "We have a great team with a lot of young players. If I can help them out a bit or answer their questions or set an example of how you should prepare yourself as a pro, I’d like to pass that along. I’m a little bit older than most of our players. I’d like to help them reach their dreams. That’s how I see my role."

CALGARY, Alta. – Hockey Canada announced Wednesday that hockey fans can now register for an opportunity to purchase tickets for the 20 IIHF World Junior Championships in Canada, although both have yet to be awarded to host cities.

Details of a priority draw for those registered will be announced at a later date, once host sites are announced.

While the 20 IIHF World Junior Championships have not yet been awarded to host cities, this registration allows fans to sign up online for a chance to purchase tickets for the next two IIHF World Junior Championships to be held in Canada.

Only fans in Canada are eligible; registration closes at midnight ET on Monday, Jan. 7. The selected host cities may be able to additionally register team season ticket holders, if applicable. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE 20 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Hockey Canada will name host cities for the 20 IIHF World Junior Championships in 2013, subject to International Ice Hockey Federation approval.For the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship in Alberta, a priority ticket draw was implemented to provide fans with the fairest access to ticket packages in both Calgary and Edmonton.

The draw had over 186,000 entries and the 17,000 ticket packages, including over 275,000 tickets, were sold out in less than a week. Canada’s National Junior Team opened the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship early today with a x-x win over Germany in Ufa, Russia. The 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship will be held in Malmo, Sweden.

When hot water hits Steve Spott in the face, the hockey side of his brain kicks into high gear.

“I do my best thinking in the shower,” says the coach of the Canadian men’s junior hockey team.

“My wife says I waste more hot water than anybody. I shower before practice.”

All the soap in the world can’t scrub away a frustrating memory for Spott.

He was an assistant coach to Willie Desjardins when Canada lost the gold medal 6-5 in overtime to the U.S. in 2010.

Jordan Eberle scored two late goals in regulation to tie the game in Saskatoon. The host country anticipated a record sixth straight gold in the tournament, until John Carlson ended it for the Americans at 4:21.

“I see the John Carlson goal still to this day, daily,” Spott says. “To have an opportunity to erase that memory is something I’m really looking forward to.”

Spott was informed on his 44th birthday (May 18) that he would coach Canada at the 2013 world junior hockey championship.

“That was a real special present,” Spott recalls. “It was something I always aspired to be a part of.”

Growing up in Toronto, he’d watched his childhood friend Adam Graves play in the tournament in 1988. His nephew, Florida Panthers forward Stephen Weiss, played in it in 2002.

The former college and minor pro player was promoted from assistant to head coach of the Ontario Hockey League’s Kitchener Rangers in 2008 when Pete DeBoer left for the NHL.

The slow and steady trajectory of Spott’s coaching career indicates he’s a patient man in a profession where everyone is in a rush to get to the NHL.

He spent 12 seasons as DeBoer’s assistant with both Kitchener and the Plymouth Whalers.

“I’m a believer in loyalty,” Spott explains. “I wouldn’t be in this situation if it wasn’t for Peter DeBoer.

“He gave me an opportunity to work full time at this job. He was a guy who never treated me like an assistant.”

The Rangers won a Memorial Cup in 2003 and reached the final in 2008 with DeBoer and Spott.

Spott took on greater coaching responsibility in Kitchener when DeBoer was away as an assistant coach of Canada’s junior team in 19.

DeBoer, now head coach of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, says he felt lucky that Spott stuck with him.

“He had a lot of opportunities to leave and go be a head guy,” DeBoer says. “A lot of people knocked on the door during those 12 years to take him away and rightfully so.

“I think (there was) loyalty, we worked well together, there was a real comfort level and I’d like to think the two of us pushed each other.”

The two men are still in regular contact.

“He’s usually the first guy I call to bounce things off of and I think it’s reciprocal,” DeBoer says.

Spott says he has NHL aspirations like any coach, player or trainer involved in the game.

But he’s taken time to sample as many coaching experiences as he can before taking the next step.

He bided his time in Kitchener because Spott knew the NHL would hire DeBoer eventually.

There was also his wife Lisa, son Tyler and daughter Emma to consider.

“My kids were getting to that point where they were involved in programs in the community and school and had friendships,” Spott explains.

“I realized that Kitchener-Waterloo is a wonderful place to work, raise a family and I was hoping if Pete moved on one day I’d have the opportunity to stay there.

“No disrespect to anyone else, but I won’t move somewhere and leave my family at home. It’s not worth it to me. Family is the most important.”

Spott’s appointment to head coach of the junior team was a natural progression.

In addition to his stint as an assistant in 2010, Spott has also been a head coach and twice an assistant coach of Canada’s under-18 team.

He’s coached Ontario at both the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and at the Canada Games.

“This guy has paid his dues,” DeBoer says. “He’s done this the right way at all the different levels and taken all the right steps on the way up.

“There’s nothing he’s going to see here that he hasn’t seen before. When you have that type of experience, you’re composed, you’re prepared and you make the right decisions.”

The Rangers posted winning seasons in three of the four since Spott became head coach, including a pair of years of 40-plus victories. Spott’s playoff record with the Rangers is 22-12.

“He’s not one to come in and pat you on the back in front of everyone,” says Rangers defenceman Ryan Murphy, who made the Canadian junior team on his third try.

“He’ll let you know how you’re playing by the amount of ice you get or the amount of power play you get.

“You’ll know when he’s displeased, but he’s pretty good. He knows the times to call you out and the times when he should be easy on you.”

The NHL lockout provided Canada with the best 19-year-old talent in the country, including Edmonton Oilers centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

That sounds great, but Spott still needs to get the players pulling on the same rope.

“You’ve got 23 different personalities,” he said. “Really checking your ego at the door, we do it as coaches, they have to do it as players and give up a little ice time for the common good of winning a gold medal.”

In addition to being a shower-thinker, another trait in Spott’s personality is his utter lack of adventure when it comes to food.

“He’s not the best dinner date because if it’s not meat and mashed potatoes, he’s not interested,” DeBoer says.

Spott refuses to give Indian, Chinese or Thai a try.

“No disrespect to any culture, but it’s not going to happen,” he says with a shake of his head. “Soup or salad, meat and potatoes for main course and some sort of sweet for dessert …  in that order.”

CALGARY, Alta. – Canada’s National Junior Team captured the bronze medal at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship on Thursday, with a 4-0 win over Finland in Calgary, Alta.

Canada has now won medals in 14 consecutive IHF World Junior Championship, a tournament record. The next best streak belongs to Russia who won medals in eight consecutive events, from 1974-81.

Goals by Tanner Pearson (Kitchener, Ont./ Barrie, OHL), Mark Scheifele (Kitchener, Ont./ Barrie, OHL) and Quinton Howden (Oak Bank, Man./ Moose Jaw, WHL) gave Canada a 3-0 lead through two periods of play, while goaltender Mark Visentin turned away a Finland penalty shot in the second period. Howden added his second goal late in the game, while Visentin made 27 saves to secure the win and the shutout.

Sweden won the gold medal with a 1-0 overtime win over Russia in the final game at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship.

CANADIAN AWARD WINNERS

Top three Team Canada players: Brett Connolly, Brandon Gormley, Mark Stone

Media All-Star Team: Brandon Gormley (D)

Directorate Award (Top Defenceman): Brandon Gormley

CANADA’S NATIONAL JUNIOR TEAM RETURN FLIGHT INFORMATION ()

IMPORTANT NOTE – Flight arrangements may change late and without notice.

Additional players may be available in Toronto, Ont., prior to taking connecting flights.

Listed by final destination, with all times listed being local.  

Final destination | Flight # | Arrival Time | Name(s)

Baie-Comeau, Que. | AC 8964 | 7:50 p.m. | Brian St-Louis (equipment manager)

Edmonton, Alta. | WJ 349 | 10:49 a.m. | Mark Pysyk

Moncton, N.B. | AC 8940 | 7 :37 p.m. | Brandon Gormley

Montreal, Que. | WJ 696 | 1:30 p.m. | Brett Connolly

Montreal, Que. | WJ 216 | 5:43 p.m. | Michaël Bournival

Saint John, N.B. | AC 8792 | 11:12 p.m. | Nathan Beaulieu, Jonathan Huberdeau

Saskatoon, Sask. | WJ 456 | 11:06 a.m. | Mark Stone

Sudbury, Ont. | AC 7813 | 4:23 p.m. | Scott Harrington

Toronto, Ont. | AC 122 | 1:45 p.m. | Ron Tugnutt (goaltending coach), Peter Jensen (sport psychologist), Paul Krotz (media relations)

Toronto, Ont. | WJ 384 | 2:15 p.m. | George Burnett (assistant coach), Scott Walker (assistant coach), Bryan Boyes (equipment manager)

Toronto, Ont. | WJ 570 | 3:30 p.m. | Dougie Hamilton, Freddie Hamilton, Boone Jenner, Tanner Pearson, Mark Scheifele, Ryan Strome, Mark Visentin

Vancouver, B.C. | AC 205 | 8:39 a.m. | Don Hay (head coach)

Vancouver, B.C. | WJ 555 | 11:29 a.m. | Brendan Gallagher

Victoria, B.C. | WJ 209 | 8:48 a.m. | Ryan Huska (assistant coach), Jeff Thorburn (therapist)

American final destinations

Denver, CO (USA) | UTD 6202 | 2:43 p.m. | Jaden Schwartz

Detroit, MI (USA) | AC 8019 | 5:33 p.m. | Scott Wedgewood

Los Angeles, CA (USA) | AC 570 | 1:30 p.m. | Devante Smith-Pelly

Portland, OR (USA) | AA 2151 | 3:39 p.m. | Ryan Murray

Saginaw (USA) | Delta 4836 | 3:36 p.m. | Jamie Oleksiak

Spokane, WA (USA) | AA 2438 | 3:00 p.m. | Quinton Howden

CALGARY, Alta. – WinSport Canada and Hockey Canada have teamed up with Bauer Hockey to create opportunities for young girls and boys to experience hockey in a fun and safe environment.

Bauer Hockey has donated 35 pairs of skates to WinSport Canada and 35 sets of youth-sized equipment to Hockey Canada which marks the first instalment of an ongoing equipment donation program. This donation has provided a foundation for Learn to Skate and Discover Hockey programs at WinSport, highlighting the unique partnership between WinSport Canada, Hockey Canada, and Bauer Hockey.

One of Hockey Canada’s priorities is the recruitment of new participants to the sport. The Discover Hockey program provides families with limited means and those who just want to try the sport with access to a hockey experience in a fun and safe environment with little or no cost attached. In addition to donating product, Bauer Hockey has also committed $25,000 annually to Hockey Canada for an initiative fund to support a wide variety of activities that provide young children with opportunities to discover hockey and skating experiences.

“The support from Bauer Hockey allows Hockey Canada and WinSport Canada to achieve the goal of growing grassroots hockey. Since arriving at the new Hockey Canada offices at the WinSport Canada  facility, Hockey Canada and WinSport Canada staffs have already collaborated on a number of significant initiatives,” said Paul Carson, vice-president of hockey development for Hockey Canada. “Learn to Skate and Discover Hockey programs are excellent first steps for young participants.” 

Bauer Hockey is the exclusive provider of skates, gloves, helmets, neck protection and face protection for Hockey Canada.  During the long-standing partnership, Bauer Hockey has provided Canadian hockey players support from grassroots to Canada's National Team.  Through the Bauer Hockey initiative fund, players who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play the game are provided with the necessary protective equipment to participate in hockey.  Beyond the arena, Bauer Hockey continues to support the growth of the game by partnering with Hockey Canada on International initiatives including the World Hockey Summit and the Quebec Hockey Summit.

“Supporting the game at all levels is a key focus for Bauer Hockey and we are excited to partner with Hockey Canada in an effort to increase the opportunities for players throughout Canada,” said Kevin Davis, Chief Executive Officer and President, Bauer Performance Sports. “As a leader in the hockey industry, it is important for us to ensure we provide new players with access to the game and do our part to help grow the sport.”

For more information on Hockey Canada and its numerous development programs, please visit www.HockeyCanada.ca.

For more information on WinSport Canada programs, please visit www.winsportcanada.ca.

ABOUT BAUER HOCKEY

Bauer Hockey is the world's most recognized designer, marketer and manufacturer of hockey equipment. Founded in Kitchener, Ontario in 1927, Bauer developed the first skate with a blade attached to a boot, forever changing the game of hockey. Since then, Bauer has continued to develop the most sought after products in the industry, including the widely successful Supreme ® and Vapor ® lines of products. Bauer Hockey, Maverik Lacrosse and Mission Roller Hockey are brands under Bauer Performance Sports, a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BAU).

CALGARY, Alta. –Canada’s National Junior Team will play for a bronze medal at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, after losing 6-5 to Russian in the semi-finals on Tuesday.

Canada will now face Finland for bronze on Thursday, January 5 at 1:30 p.m. MT at the Saddledome in Calgary, Alta.

Canada fell behind 6-1 through forty minutes, but mounted a huge comeback in the third period closing to within one goal of tying the game with five minutes to play.  However, Russia held on for the win, handing Canada its first semi-final loss since 2001. Canada had appeared in a tournament record 10 consecutive gold medal games at the IIHF World Junior Championship

Sweden, meanwhile, advanced to face Russia in the gold medal game with a 3-2 shootout win over Finland in the other semifinal on Tuesday afternoon.

All of Canada’s games at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship are broadcast live on TSN/RDS across Canada, as well as on The FAN Radio Network. Check your local listings for broadcast details in your area, and for a broadcast schedule.

For more information on the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, please visit www.HockeyCanada.ca/2012juniors, or follow along via social media at www.facebook.com/worldjuniors and www.twitter.com/hc_wjc.

International hockey is coming to Alberta this December, and fans have the chance to be there in person as the best sledge hockey and junior players in the world step on the ice in Calgary.

The Holiday Hockey Cheer ticket package includes six games, ranging from the gold medal game at the 2011 World Sledge Hockey Challenge to games at Canada’s National Junior Team Sport Chek Selection Camp and pre-tournament games ahead of the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship, all for just $60.

That’s an average of just $10 per game, and more than $50 in savings over individual tickets!

The Holiday Hockey Cheer ticket package includes:

Dec. 3 – 2011 World Sledge Hockey Challenge gold medal game
Dec. 11 – Red vs. White – National Junior Team Sport Chek Selection Camp
Dec. 12 – Red vs. White – National Junior Team Sport Chek Selection Camp
Dec. 13 – Team Canada vs. CIS All-Stars – National Junior Team Sport Chek Selection Camp
Dec. 19 – Canada vs. Finland – 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship pre-competition
Dec. 21 – Finland vs. Slovakia – 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship pre-competition

All games, except the Canada-Finland pre-World Juniors contest, will played at the WinSport Canada Athletic & Ice Complex at Canada Olympic Park. Canada vs. Finland will take place at the Saddledome.

To purchase a Holiday Hockey Cheer ticket package, CLICK HERE.

THE 2012 IIHF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS - “I WAS THERE”

Hockey and music fans alike gathered in Calgary, Alberta to witness Paul Brandt launch the World Junior Season

Calgary, Alberta – With a short 40 days until the puck drops on the 2012 World Juniors, Paul Brandt stirred up some hockey excitement today with the debut of the official song of the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championships “I Was There.”

Hockey teams, parents and both hockey and music fans gathered at The CORE over the lunch hour for a chance to say they were there for the inaugural performance, and hear the track before it officially drops later today.

“We wanted an anthem that would channel the spirit of hockey and really encompass what it means to be an Albertan,” Jim Peplinski, Co-Chair of the 2012 World Junior Championships. “To be able to bring the World Juniors to Alberta’s two largest cities has always been a goal of ours, and Paul Brandt was able to capture so many emotions and memories that are at the heart of this sport, as well as the pride that so many Albertans take in the sport.”

The song, which shares its title with the World Juniors slogan, is now available for download at www.hockeycanada.ca/2012juniors, or through iTunes in early December 2011.

 “We all have our own ‘I Was There’ moments, whether it be getting up at 5 a.m. to drive our children to practice; cheering on a friend; scoring tickets to a major game; or playing a pick-up game of pond hockey,” said Paul Brandt. “The World Juniors are held in such high regard, and I wanted to reflect the true passion and pride of all Canadians by creating a song that everyone could relate to and get excited about.”

The 2012 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship will kick-off on December 26 in both Edmonton and Calgary.  Team Canada, silver medalists at the 2011 championship, will began their quest for gold against Finland on the 26th at 1:30 pm MT in Edmonton at Rexall Place.  Full tournament schedule: http://hockeycanada.ca/2012juniors

Footage from the event will be uploaded to www.hockeycanada.ca/2012juniors later this week.

About the World Juniors

The International Ice Hockey Federation World Under 20 Championship (colloquially known as the World Junior Championship) is an annual event for national under-20 ice hockey teams from around the world. The tournament features the top ten ranked hockey nations in the world, from which a world champion is crowned.  The 2012 World Junior Championship will be held December 26 - in Edmonton and Calgary

About Paul Brandt

Paul Brandt is the most awarded male Canadian country artist in history. Born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, his first big break was in 1996 with the single "My Heart has a History", which hit number one in Canada and made him the first Canadian male country artist to reach the Billboard Top Ten in the US since Hank Snow in 1974. Paul has nine tremendously successful albums to his credit to date. In September 2011 Paul released his latest album Give It Away, and his first ever Box Set collection titled NOW, featuring all of his award-winning albums and much more. In addition to his music, Paul also has a strong passion for helping people, working with a number of charities, including his own foundation, The Priceless Gift of Hope Foundation, and being involved with humanitarian pursuits around the globe.

For more information and interview inquiries please contact:

Renee Hammill
Brookline Public Relations
Office: 403 538 5641 ext 110
Cell: 403 589 2348                                     

rhammill@brooklinepr.com