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Athlete Experience

Information for our Participants!

More Than a

hockey tournament

The Molson CARHA Hockey World Cup is about more than just competition. This is a week to bond with your team, make new friendships with athletes from around the world, explore the beauty and culture of Canada’s Pacific Coast, indulge in amazing food, and so much more. These memories will last a lifetime!

Each team is guaranteed three (3) games, providing much leisure time to take in the sights, tours, and activities that the City of Richmond and the tournament have to offer.

Team Gifts: Organize with your team to bring an item (like a flag, pin, hat, puck) that represents your team or country to exchange after the game. This is optional but leaves a memorable impression!

Social

Events

Opening Ceremonies

SUNDAY, MARCH 19 (March of Athletes is Open to the Public)
Starts at 5 PM | Richmond Olympic Oval

The Opening Ceremonies are the official welcome for athletes from all participating countries to the Molson CARHA Hockey World Cup and to Richmond. We’ll kick off the festivities in true Canadian fashion all the while enjoying live entertainment, interactive activities and a cold Molson Canadian or glass of wine from Lulu Island Winery!

All participating athletes will receive a jersey which represents their country to wear during this event! Teams will be cheered on by the community as they march through the streets of Richmond on their way to the Richmond Olympic Oval where they’ll partake in the commencement of this renowned weeklong tournament.


The Opening Ceremonies will consist of:

  • Community celebration and March of Athletes 
  • Participating country welcome
  • Multicultural entertainment from local performers
  • Food and beverage
 
This is a ticketed event. All travelling teams are provided tickets as part of their registration package. Local participants can purchase tickets through their online profile page. Contact Lucy for assistance. 
MONDAY, MARCH 20 TO FRIDAY, MARCH 24
11 AM to Midnight | Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel (Host Hotel)

Athletes’ Village is the ultimate destination for all teams to gather and hang out during the week. Complimentary shuttles will be offered between the host hotel and venues/partner hotels for participants. All tours will depart from this location.

Daily activities will include:

  • Sponsor activations
  • Games
  • Nightly events and live entertainment 
  • Food and beverage* for purchase
 
*Note: This is the only location for participants to redeem their tickets for the complimentary post-game beverage.

Athletes' village

River Rock Casino Night

TUESDAY, MARCH 21 
4:00 PM to Midnight

Take in the River Rock Casino Resort with complimentary shuttles to and from the Athletes’ Village throughout the night. The River Rock’s exceptionally diverse game floor will dazzle you with all your favourite table games, more than 1,100 slots, a dedicated Poker room, and much more. Enjoy free play with Encore Rewards.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23
Game starts at 7 PM | Rogers Arena

A perk of the week is taking in a live NHL game. Cheer on the Vancouver Canucks as they take on the San Jose Sharks with this special ticket offer to our participants and friends. Your ticket also includes a beer, classic hotdog and chips!

With no games scheduled this evening, plan a team outing. Complimentary  round trip transportation will be provided from the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel.

Represent the Molson CARHA Hockey World Cup by wearing your 2023 Commemorative Jersey to the game. Interested in a Vancouver Canucks jersey? Order yours from Cyclone Taylor Sports.

vancouver canucks

Feature game

FRIDAY, MARCH 24 (Open to the Public)
7PM to 9 PM | Minoru Arena 

Take part in this unique evening featuring a selection division championship game. The community is encouraged to attend as we pack the arena.

The televised Feature Game will be staged in a professional manner including an official puck drop, cheque presentation, playing of the anthems, intermissions, and player of the game announcement. 

Complimentary shuttles will be provided for all players and participants to take in the action.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25
Starts at 6 PM | Richmond Olympic Oval

To conclude the tournament and to toast a great week of hockey, Molson CARHA Hockey World Cup athletes, guests, volunteers, and organizers are invited to attend the Closing Ceremonies. Complimentary shuttles will be provided to the Oval where players get one last opportunity to gather with all of the other teams.

The Closing Ceremonies will consist of:

  • Division winner announcements
  • Sit-down dinner and beverages
  • Live entertainment


This is a ticketed event. All travelling teams are provided tickets as part of their registration package. Local participants can purchase tickets through their online profile page. Contact Lucy for assistance. 

closing ceremonies

gAME

vENUES

RICHMOND OLYMPIC OVAL

RICHMOND ICE CENTRE

MINORU ARENA (FEATURE GAME)

Tourism

Activities

Book Local Attractions

Delicious food, wine tasting and tour of one of BC's largest wineries (Lulu Island Winery pictured above), shopping experiences, fascinating history, beautiful nature, and one-of-a-kind experiences await. Day tours are the perfect way to see more of British Columbia while you're here!

Discover The Richmond Olympic Experience

All participants have free access during the week
This highly interactive and dynamic experience is more than just a museum. Relive the greatest moments in Canada's sports history, and check out the competition firsthand in the interactive simulators.

Discover the Richmond

your true pacific experience awaits

mcarthurglen designer outlet Vancouver

Visit Vancouver’s premier award-winning shopping centre. Home to more than 80 stores, shop in unrivaled luxury while taking in stunning views of this European village-style centre, with picturesque piazzas, public art installations, brick-paved streets flanked by trees and oversized potted plants, and pedestrian-friendly boulevards.

Take advantage of the free daily shuttles running throughout the week for your shopping convenience.

Cyclone Taylor source forSports

Over 60 years of experience and is Canada’s most well-established hockey equipment retailer. Sign up for the free shuttle running throughout the week to shop their selection of hockey equipment and National Hockey League (NHL) apparel

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Outdoor Adventures

With over 80 kilometres of trails that are generally flat and easy to access, Richmond is a place where natural beauty and wildlife are only a few steps away. Day tours are the perfect way to experience more of British Columbia while you are here (like Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, featured left). There’s lots to explore in the surrounding areas of Vancouver, Victoria, or Whistler (to name a few), where you can plan activities like hiking, fishing, and sightseeing.

steveston village

This fishing village at the mouth of the Fraser River is Richmond’s charming ‘old town’ waterfront area and home to two National Historic Sites. It is also a working fishing village and is Canada’s largest small-craft commercial fishing port, making it a seafood lover’s paradise. Free shuttle services offered all week.

Golf

The mild weather and stunning scenery make Richmond ideal for year-round golf. Richmond is well-stocked with cool places to swing your clubs in the great outdoors.