There is good news for hockey fans hoping the World Junior Championships will one day come to London.
Tickets for the exhibition game Dec. 20 between Canada and the Czech Republic go on sale Wednesday at 10 a.m., and if everything goes London’s way, it may not be the only time that will happen.
London has bid for the World Juniors twice before, coming up short both times.
“There’s no reason why we can’t do something like the World Junior Championship here in London in the future,” said Renney.
“All I can suggest is that, again, as you (London) did the last time, put your nose to the grindstone and present a great bid, and then let the rest of the details will fall into place.”
Renney says the size of the rink isn’t a huge factor. He says the 2019 World Juniors are being held in Vancouver and Victoria, and Victoria’s arena only seats about 6,000. Budweiser Gardens can hold over 9,000, and Renney says that’s a good-sized facility.
It appears Hockey Canada has taken a shine to London. On top of the exhibition game, the Forest City has also been named as the host for Hockey Canada’s prime fundraiser next June.
The event will be held June 18-19 and will feature a gala where Canada’s national teams are honoured.
Tickets to the pre-tournament game between Team Canada and the Czech Republic can be bought online by clicking here , by phone at 1-866-455-2849 or at the box office at Budweiser Gardens, at the Fanshawe College Biz Booth, and at Books Plus.