The Kitchener Rangers and London Knights have jointly announced that they will each host an exhibition game between Canada and Sweden in preparation for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship this December.

The two teams will face each other at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium on Dec. 17, and again at London’s Canada Life Place on Dec. 20, with puck drop set at 7 p.m. for both games.

“I’m thrilled to welcome fans from across the country and around the world for this exciting World Junior Exhibition game, pitting two of the competition’s premier teams against each other right here in London. We are a proud hockey city—home of the Memorial Cup champion London Knights—and hosting this event will enhance our reputation as a top destination to see the best young hockey players in the world,” said London Mayor Josh Morgan. “It is a tremendous boost for our city, tourism scene and local businesses, all of whom will benefit from another world-class event coming to Canada Life Place. It’s a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our readiness to host this tournament in the future, while showcasing our thriving hockey community to Hockey Canada, the IIHF, and fans who flock to downtown London to fill our hotels, restaurants and streets with red and white spirit.”

Canada’s National Junior Team will begin the road to the World Juniors in Niagara Falls, where Gale Centre will play host for training camp Dec. 13 – 21. Canada will conclude the pre-tournament portion of its schedule on Dec. 23 against Germany at Mankato Civic Centre in Mankato, Minnesota.

"It’s an honour to host this pre-tournament game and provide our fans an incredible opportunity to see some of the best junior hockey players in the world compete at Canada Life Place,” said Knights general manager Mark Hunter. “We know that our community will come together to put on a first-class event and provide a special send-off for Canadian players and staff as they play their last game before travelling to Minnesota.”

TSN and RDS, will broadcast all three of Canada’s pre-tournament games; please check local listings for details.