
CALGARY, Alberta – Hockey Canada and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) have announced that Sydney and Membertou, Nova Scotia, will host the 2026 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship next January, bringing the next generation of women’s hockey back to Canada for the first time since 2016. The successful bid represents a partnership between Hockey Nova Scotia, the Province of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Membertou First Nation and Cape Breton Blizzard Female Hockey Association. “Three months ago, we were honoured to announce a historic hosting agreement with the IIHF that will bring five international women’s championships to Canada between 2026 and 2030 and mark a new chapter in Hockey Canada’s commitment to growing women’s and girls’ hockey,” said Katherine Henderson, president and chief executive officer of Hockey Canada. “We cannot think of more deserving communities to host the first of those five championships than Sydney and Membertou, as women’s and girls’ hockey continues to thrive on Cape Breton and across Nova Scotia. “This tournament will showcase the future stars of Canada’s National Women’s Team, and we are excited for the competing federations to experience the warm Cape Breton hospitality, inspire the next generation of girls’ hockey players and engage with the community throughout the championship.” The 5,000-seat Centre 200, home of the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League’s Cape Breton Eagles, and the 1,250-seat Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre will host the world’s best young players. “I can’t think of a better place in the world to see the rise of women's hockey than here in Cape Breton,” said Cecil Clarke, mayor of Cape Breton Regional Municipality. “We are excited to host the best of the next generation of players and inspire excellence here at home, in Canada and around the world.” Eight nations will compete at the event: Canada, Czechia, Finland, Hungary, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States. Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team will defend gold on home ice after winning its eighth world title earlier this year in Finland. Canada has won gold in four of the previous six editions of the tournament. “This is a proud moment for both our province and for our hockey community,” said Leijsa Wilton, Chair of Hockey Nova Scotia’s Female Council. “To host this event in Sydney and Membertou is not only a testament to the momentum the women’s and girls’ game is building in Nova Scotia, but it’s also a powerful signal to young athletes that dreams can take shape in our arenas and on our rinks. We know this event will inspire and elevate women’s and girls’ hockey at every level and in every corner of the province, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome some of the world’s best players to Cape Breton next year.” Fans looking to receive updates about the 2026 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship, and their chance to purchase tickets when they become available, can sign up for the priority ticket list, giving them the best opportunity to see Canada’s National Women’s U18 Team compete in Nova Scotia. For more information on Hockey Canada and the 2026 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
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