Created to showcase the talent in Canada's 10 Junior A leagues, the World Junior A Challenge debuted in Yorkton and Humboldt, SK in 2006. Canada West has appeared in all four gold medal games, winning twice, while Canada East is a two-time silver medalist. Summerside, P.E.I. was the host of the 2009 World Junior A Challenge from November 1-8, 2009.

For the second year in a row, the United States won the World Junior A Challenge, defeating Canada West 2-1 in the gold medal game at Credit Union Place. The U.S. is the second team to repeat as tournament champions - Canada West won the first two editions of the tournament, in 2006 and 2007. The Americans also defeated Canada West in last year's gold medal game, winning 7-1 in Camrose, AB.

The Canada West roster is comprised of players from the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) and Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL). Canada West captured gold in 2006 (Yorkton, SK), and in 2007 (Trail, B.C.), and most recently won the silver medail in 2008 (Camrose, AB) and 2009 (Summerside, PEI).

Canada East won a medal at the first three World Junior A Challenges taking silver in 2006 and 2007, before winning bronze in 2008. Team East lost to Russia in the Bronze Medal game in 2009. The Canada East roster is comprised of players from the Central Canadian Hockey League (CCHL), Ontario Junior A Hockey League (OJAHL), Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL), Central Junior Hockey League (CJHL), Ligue de hockey junior AAA du Quebec (LHJAAAQ) and Maritime Junior A Hockey League (MJAHL).

The Under Armour Undeniable MVP Award and Tournament All-Star Team included four members of Team Canada West:

Under Armour Undeniable MVP: Sean Bonar (Canada West)

Tournament All-Star Team:

  • Goaltender: Sean Bonar (Canada West)
  • Defence: Mac Bennett (United States)
  • Defence: Wes McLeod (Canada West)
  • Forward: Shane Berschbach (United States)
  • Forward: Connor Jones (Canada West)
  • Forward: Cody Kunyk (Canada West)

For more information on the World Junior A Challenge, including news, statistics schedule, and past winners click here.

 

2009 World Junior A Challenge Schedule & Results