U.S. to meet Canada outdoors during '18 World Junior Championship in Buffalo

The 2018 World Junior Championship in Buffalo will feature a unique meeting between the U.S. and Canada.

On Dec. 29, 2017, the two hockey powers will meet outdoors at New Era Stadium in Buffalo as part of the round robin stage. The event will be the first ever outdoor game at a high-level IIHF tournament.

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“The World Juniors is an amazing event itself and to add to it with an outdoor game is about as cool as it gets,” said Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills president Russ Brandon. “It’s never been done before in the World Juniors and we’re excited to be making history.”

Last December, TSN’s Frank Seravalli reported this game was in the works just after Buffalo was announced as host of the 2018 tournament.

According to USA Hockey’s Jim Johannson, no time has been set for the game and if weather should make the game unplayable outdoors, it will be moved inside to KeyBank Center, home of the Sabres, and many refunds will be made. (New Era Stadium holds over 71,000 seats compared to the 19,000-plus at KeyBank Center.)

With the game being held on Dec. 29, 2017 in Buffalo, that could tie in nicely with a possible New Year’s Day 2018 Winter Classic with the Sabres playing host, something owners Kim and Terry Pegula have campaigned for to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of their outdoor game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The NHL has yet to announce the teams and host involved in the 2018 Winter Classic.

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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy