Since its inception in 1986, 21 players who participated in the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge have later heard their name called as the first overall selection in the National Hockey League’s Entry Draft.
And now the 2006-born players aiming to be selected in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft will make their international debut as the Township of Langley and the City of Delta co-host the 2022 World Under-17 Challenge.
The eight-team event runs Nov. 5 to 12 and will feature three entries from Canada – Canada Black, Canada Red and Canada White – as well as five international squads, with Langley Events Centre and Delta’s Sungod Arena serving as the two venues.
“We are honoured to have been chosen as one of the host communities for this marquee international event,” said Township of Langley Mayor Jack Froese. “We look forward to welcoming many of the top players from around the world as well as all the passionate hockey fans to witness the participating teams chase their dreams of capturing international glory. “Whether it is the players or the spectators in attendance, we ae sure they will enjoy their experience here at Langley Events Centre, a world-class facility that has become one of the Province’s premier destinations for sports, recreation and entertainment.”
This marks the fourth time the event has been held in B.C., but this will be its Metro Vancouver debut as it was previously hosted by Port Alberni in 2009 while Dawson Creek and Fort St. John co-hosted the event in both 2015 and 2017.
“The City of Delta is thrilled to be selected to host the best young hockey players from across the globe at the Word Under-17 Hockey Challenge this November. Delta has a long and rich hockey history, from minor hockey to the Vancouver Giants, to being the hometown of Stanley Cup champions,” said Mayor George Harvie. “The World Under-17 Hockey Challenge continues Delta’s deep and longstanding relationship with Canada’s game, and we look forward to welcoming visitors, players, coaches, and officials to Delta, and of course, watching the action on the ice.”
For more event information as it emerges, please click here.
