3 Spectacular Cities for 2026 – Hobart – Melbourne – Canberra
Hobart will host international ice hockey for the first time, with the Canada vs USA Ice Hockey Classic opening its 2026 Australian series at MyState Bank Arena. MyState Bank Arena will be transformed into a world-class ice hockey venue for the event, marking a historic moment for Tasmania and a major expansion of elite international ice hockey in Australia.
The Tasmanian capital will stage two blockbuster games on 3 and 4 July, as one of global sport’s fiercest rivalries lands in the state for the first time. O’Briens Icehouse will be up next in the series hosting the Ice Hockey Classic on July 7th.
O’Briens Icehouse is a world class ice sports facility was established at the District Docklands precinct in 2010. ‘O’Brien Icehouse’ is now considered one of the leading facilities of its type in the Southern Hemisphere.
AIS arena in Canberra will host the final games on July 10th and 11th. Opened in 1981, the AIS Arena has been a cornerstone of the Canberra sports and entertainment landscape for over 30 years. Having undertaken an extensive renovation in 2023, the venue now has enhanced facilities to meet modern standards while preserving its rich history.
The 2026 Ice Hockey Classic series rosters will be led by the USA team captained by NHL veteran David Booth and the Canadian team led by former Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Ducks defenceman Simon Després.
Després, a first-round NHL draft pick, brings top-level experience to the Canadian side, adding further firepower to a rivalry renowned for its intensity and physicality.
“This is a landmark moment for ice hockey in Australia,” said Kerry Goulet, Director of the Ice Hockey Classic.
“To open our 2026 series in Hobart and bring international ice hockey to Tasmania for the first time is incredibly exciting. Transforming MyState Bank Arena into a hockey venue will deliver a truly unique experience for fans.”
“Hosting the Ice Hockey Classic is a huge moment for MyState Bank Arena and for Tasmania,” said Renee Brown, General Manager of MyState Bank Arena. “To welcome international ice hockey to Hobart for the first time and transform our arena into a world-class ice rink is something we’re incredibly proud to be part of. It’s going to be a spectacular experience for fans and a landmark event for the state.”
The Ice Hockey Classic has previously drawn packed crowds at major venues including Rod Laver Arena and Qudos Bank Arena, showcasing elite North American players and delivering a high-energy, North American-style game-day experience.
Fans can expect fast-paced action, big hits and the electric atmosphere that defines the game and the legendary Canada vs USA rivalry. More than 30 elite players are expected to travel from North America, with full team lineups to be announced closer to the event.
The Ice Hockey Classic supports the work of the StopConcussions Global Foundation, raising awareness and supporting research into concussion in sport.
If you are interested in getting involved in any capacity or would like to sponsor a player, donate an excursion/item, or volunteer,
please contact Toni Miil at toni@29sports.com.
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ICE HOCKEY CLASSIC
Returning to Australia in 2026.
Canada vs USA Ice Hockey Game
Over 10 years ago, Kerry Goulet had a dream to showcase Canada’s game to the world, Ice Hockey. Since then, the Ice Hockey Classic has done 11 tours showcasing hockey games between two of Hockey’s biggest rivals, Canada and the USA.
The Ice Hockey Classic is a worldwide hockey extravaganza that features hockey players – current or retired professional players from various leagues including the NHL, AHL, ECHL, European Leagues, and the NCAA.
These carefully picked players are not only skilled Hockey players but are also ambassadors of the game. The players come together to highlight the fastest sport on ice while donating their time to support Goulet’s passionate endeavour to raise awareness for mental health and concussions.
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Thank you to the fans who have followed us and have always inspired us to achieve more.
The Ice Hockey Classic tour is proud to work with the StopConcussions Foundation, a not-for-profit organization in Ontario, their Safe4Sports Prevention Program and Connected – a mental health campaign.
StopConcussions was designed to educate players, administrators, physicians, coaches, and officials on the cause, effects, and consequences of concussions and neurotrauma injuries, not only in hockey but all sports.
Safe4Sports clinics: Players, coaches and administrators benefit from off-ice seminars designed for their specific roles and responsibilities in prevention. An additional parent session may also be added. In addition, on-ice clinics teaching movement concepts, fundamentals and the 4 leading indicators are provided in hourly sessions led by our trained expert instructors.
“One in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives.” Many individuals have expressed post-injury stress and anxiety. Our findings have shown that these neurological issues can lead to severe depression, addiction, and in many cases, suicide.
We know this issue is crucial to address and we need to do more. We know that community and social connection is among the best methods for helping individuals who suffer from mental illness and other psychological difficulties in their lives.
For more information concussions, please visit stopconcussions.com
“I can’t say enough about how great my time was at the Ice Hockey Classic in Australia. The rinks were full and the fans, crazy! It is a first-class event and certainly is something you would not want to miss. Kerry and Toni make the players feel like family!”
BRENT BURNS
ICE HOCKEY CLASSIC ALUMNI
“The fans and the tour did not disappoint.
An amazing experience! A must for anyone invited. Can’t wait for 2022.”
ERIC NEILSON
ICE HOCKEY CLASSIC ALUMNI
“If you were to ask me if 20,000 fans would fill a rink in Sydney, Australia, I would have never believed it. I did not realize how big hockey was Down Under. So when I got invited to get on board to help promote our game and support StopConcussions, I jumped at it. The number of NHL jerseys I saw in the crowd was amazing plus having Nathan Walker participate in the tour was fantastic. Great event. It was good to see so many kids playing our sport here!”
WAYNE GRETZKY
ICE HOCKEY CLASSIC ALUMNI
