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Key Details of the Junior A World Challenge

Since 2006, the Junior A World Challenge has brought together top junior-aged talent from across Canada and around the world. With over 300 NHL draft picks emerging from the tournament – including first-rounders like David PastrnakVladimir Tarasenko and Kyle Turris – it’s become a must-watch event for scouts and fans alike.

Event Overview:

The Junior A World Challenge features four teams:

  • Canada East (players from NOJHL, OJHL, CCHL, LHJAAAQ, MHL)
  • Canada West (players from AJHL, SJHL, MJHL, SIJHL)
  • Sweden
  • United States

In 2025, the tournament heads to Trois-Rivières, Quebec – the first time it will be hosted in the province.

Tournament Format:

  • Preliminary Round: All four teams play each other once.
  • Semifinals: 1st place faces 4th place; 2nd place takes on 3rd place.
  • Medal Games: Semifinal winners play for gold; losers compete for bronze.

Historical Highlights:

  • Canada West won the first two gold medals in 2006 and 2007, with its most recent podium-topping finish coming in an all-Canadian final in 2023.
  • With Quebec playing host in 2025, the tournament has been played in seven provinces (BC, AB, SK, ON, QC, NS, PE).

Scouting Spotlight:

The Junior A World Challenge is a key stop on the scouting calendar, offering a unique look at junior talent in an international setting. The tournament focuses on players outside the CHL system – many of whom go on to NCAA and NHL careers.

Junior A World Challenge
Trois-Rivières, QB
Dec. 7-13, 2025
Camrose, AB
Dec. 9-15, 2024
Truro, NS
Dec. 10-17, 2023
Cornwall, ON
Dec. 10-18, 2022
Cornwall, ON
Dec. 12-19, 2021
Who recorded the most points at a single tournament? Who scored the fastest goal from the start of a game? Who had the longest shutout streak? Get all the answers in the Junior A World Challenge Guide & Record Book.
All-Time Results
Year Gold Silver Bronze Location
2025       Trois-Rivières, QB
2024 USA SWE CAN-W Camrose, AB
2023 CAN-W CAN-E USA Truso, NS
2022 USA CAN-E SWE Cornwall, ON
2021 Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic Cornwall, ON
2020 Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic Cornwall, ON
2019 RUS CAN-E USA Dawson Creek, BC
2018 USA RUS CAN-W Bonnyville, AB
2017 CAN-W USA CZE Truro, NS
2016 USA CAN-E RUS Bonnyville, AB
2015 CAN-W RUS USA Cobourg & Whitby, ON
2014 USA DEN RUS Kindersley, SK
2013 USA RUS CAN-W Yarmouth, NS
2012 USA CAN-W SUI Yarmouth, NS
2011 CAN-W CAN-E USA Langley, BC
2010 USA CAN-E SUI Penticton, BC
2009 USA CAN W RUS Summerside, PE
2008 USA CAN-W CAN-E Camrose, AB
2007 CAN-W CAN-E USA Trail & Nelson, BC
2006 CAN-W CAN-E RUS Yorkton & Humboldt, SK
Photos
Videos
2024 WJAC: Day 6 (Sunday, December 15)
The U.S. won gold, Sweden took silver and Canada West claimed bronze.
2024 WJAC: Day 6 (Saturday, December 14)
Sweden and the United States advanced to the gold medal game.
2024 WJAC: Day 4 (Thursday, December 12)
Sweden and the United States closed out the prelims with victories.
2024 WJAC: Day 2 (Tuesday, December 10)
Sweden stayed unbeaten and Canada East found the win column.
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