Quebec City will host the 2027 IIHF women's World Championships, Hockey Canada announced today.
“Hosting IIHF championships in Canada is a tremendous privilege,” said Katherine Henderson, president and chief executive officer of Hockey Canada. “Thanks to our partnership with Gestev, we are proud to have the opportunity to put together two of the biggest international hockey tournaments ever held in North America, in the province of Quebec."
Quebec City showed their love and support for women's hockey last season drawing more than 18,000 fans for a PWHL Takeover Tour game between the Ottawa Charge and Montreal Victoire. With the Videotron Centre a prime venue, many believe the PWHL may be targeting Quebec City for future expansion.
According to Jackie Smith, Limoilou City Councillor, the World Championships is another opportunity to showcase how ready Quebec City is for their own team, and the event will be another opportunity to grow the women's hockey culture in Quebec.
"This is excellent news for the women's hockey culture in the region," said Smith. "In addition to the arrival of our new university team, the announcement of this tournament, bringing together the best female hockey players in the world, confirms that Quebec City is a destination of choice for this sport.This will be another opportunity to show that we deserve our professional team, if the matter is still not resolved in 2027."
Alongside the announcement of the 2027 World Championships, Hockey Canada also announced Quebec City would be hosting the 2029 World Junior Championships.
“Hockey is our national sport and a great source of pride for Quebec, and we are proud to have the opportunity to host these two major world championships,” said Isabelle Charest, minister responsible for sport, recreation and the outdoors. “This will be a unique opportunity to celebrate our passion and show our love for the game. We will be ready to welcome the world’s best junior players and best female players, and I am sure fans will be there to make these events a resounding success!”
USA is the current reigning World Champions defeating Canada in overtime in Czechia last April. Canada won the year prior in Utica, New York.