Buffalo to host 2018 World Jr. hockey tournament

The world junior championships will return to Buffalo in 2018.

Having the announcement at the Bills’ stadium has generated some speculation that an outdoor game will be part of the tournament. Speakers include Dave Ogrean, executive director, USA Hockey; Terry Pegula, owner, Buffalo Sabres/Buffalo Bills; Mike Bertsch, assistant executive director, USA Hockey; Russ Brandon, president, Buffalo Sabres/Buffalo Bills; and Jim Smith, president, USA Hockey. In the United States, NHL Network holds the tournament’s broadcast rights through the 2018 tournament.

Ralph Wilson Stadium hosted the NHL’s first Winter Classic on January 1, 2008. Either city would have marked the furthest south the tournament has been held – following stops in Buffalo, Boston, North Dakota, Alaska and Minnesota.

The Blues, Tom Stillman, and the local hockey community deserve a great deal of credit for getting the city of St. Louis to the final consideration round with Pittsburgh and Buffalo.

Based on past events, the tournament is expected to open on December 26, 2017, and run through the first week of 2018. Toronto, Canada’s financial capital and largest city, is but a two-hour drive from Buffalo.

Buffalo previously hosted the tournament in 2011, when Russian Federation erased a 3-0 third period deficit in the gold medal game against Canada.

The higher-profile games, including the playoffs and championship, will be held at the Sabres home rink, the First Niagara Center.